Seema Kalra1, Andrew Chancellor2, Adam Zeman3. 1. 1Department of Neurology, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle, UK. 2. 2Department of Neurology, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tauranga, New Zealand. 3. 3Cognitive and Behavioural Neurology Research Group, Peninsula Medical School, Mardon Centre, Exeter, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Déjà vu occurs both in normal experience and as a neuropsychiatric symptom. Its pathogenesis is partially understood. We describe an iatrogenic case with implications for the neuropharmacological basis of déjà vu. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old woman received 5-hydroxytryptophan, in combination with carbidopa, as treatment for palatal tremor, on two occasions, separated by 1 week. On each occasion, she experienced intense, protracted déjà vu, lasting for several hours. We discuss her case in relation to the neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological basis of déjà vu. CONCLUSION: The serotonergic system is involved in the genesis of déjà vu.
BACKGROUND: Déjà vu occurs both in normal experience and as a neuropsychiatric symptom. Its pathogenesis is partially understood. We describe an iatrogenic case with implications for the neuropharmacological basis of déjà vu. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old woman received 5-hydroxytryptophan, in combination with carbidopa, as treatment for palatal tremor, on two occasions, separated by 1 week. On each occasion, she experienced intense, protracted déjà vu, lasting for several hours. We discuss her case in relation to the neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological basis of déjà vu. CONCLUSION: The serotonergic system is involved in the genesis of déjà vu.