Symptom 4. Drifting in the Seas of Hallucination: A Voyage into the WKS-induced Illusions
Hallucinations mark the fourth station in our exploration of Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). This symptom engulfs the person into a surreal world, blurring the borders between reality and imagination.
Hallucinations in WKS take many forms but auditory and visual illusions are most common. The affected individual may hear non-existent sounds, voices, or music, adding a perplexing soundtrack to their lives. From whispers to orchestras, these phantom sounds can range from the sublime to the disconcerting.
Visual hallucinations add another layer of complexity. Patients may see non-existent people, animals, or objects. They might see a swarm of butterflies in a room or an old friend in an empty chair. These hallucinations can sometimes be pleasant, offering an escape from the harsh realities, but often, they can be terrifyingly confusing.
The unpredictability of hallucinations adds an element of suspense. They can occur at any time, abruptly pulling the person into their illusory realm. Living with WKS, in this aspect, can feel like being a sailor lost in the sea of hallucinations, perpetually adrift. (4)
