The first article listed presents the Deep Boltzmann Machine model of CBS. It examines two hypotheses: one regarding the visual cortex and its ability to generate internal imagery, the other regarding homeostatic mechanisms which lead to hallucinations due to the lack of input. For the wikipedia article, I would like to include a few statements to the “Causes” heading. The researchers presented a new model of acetylcholine (ACh) in the DBM framework, finding that a temporary change in the balance of feed-forward and feed-back flow of information can have a profound effect on the emergence of hallucinations. Thus, one can conclude a probable explanation for the effect drowsiness and ACh has on CBS. Another thing that could be added to the article under the “Signs and Symptoms” heading (or potentially a new heading?) Is the point that the key aspect of a visual hallucinations model is not about image generation, but the spontaneous onset of internal representations of images. [1]
The second article listed examines different areas in regards to CBS. A few things from the article can be added to the “History” heading: In 1760, Charles Bonnet introduced the syndrome by describing his bling grandfather’s visual hallucinations. In 1967, Swiss neurologist, George de Morsier, coined the term Charles Bonnet syndrome in honor of Bonnet. This article also describes possible aids to the suppression of hallucinations (which could be added to the “Treatment” heading: heightening visual stimulation, correction of metabolic abnormalities, and typical and/or atypical antipsychotics. For the “Prognosis” heading, the article states that a medical professional should classify the type of visual hallucinations the patient is describing in order to narrow down different diagnoses. Basic lab testing along with euro-imaging can help diagnose CBS. It will also be important to note from the article the fact that CBS cannot be determined simply by the presence of psychiatric disorders.[2]
The last article listed gives a general idea of CBS, explaining many different aspects related to CBS from history to studies. I would like to include in the wikipedia article the fact that those with CBS have intact cognition, awareness that the visual hallucinations are not real, and the absence of other psychiatric disorders. For the “History” subheading, it would be interesting to note the ironic fact that Charles Bonnet himself suffered from painful vision loss at the age of 20, which then progressed to severe visual impairment by the age of 40. For the “Signs and Symptoms” heading, it would be important to state that the hallucinations typically have a duration from a few seconds to a few hours-occurring for days or even multiple years. Lastly, it would be important to explain the interaction between CBS and visual acuity-an association between age related macular degeneration and colored visual hallucinations has been proposed. Because of the reduced visual input to the color areas of the visual association cortex, endogenous activation within the color area results in colored hallucination. [3]
