Hallucination
A hallucination is a sensory perception that occurs without an external stimulus.
Overview
Hallucinations can involve sight, sound, or other senses. They may occur in neurological, psychiatric, or normal conditions such as sleep transitions.
Key Insight
Hallucinations show that the brain can generate vivid perceptual experience in the absence of external input.
Scientific Status
Well documented in neuroscience and psychiatry.
How Researchers Study It
Researchers study hallucinations through neuroimaging, clinical assessment, and sleep studies.
Quick Facts
- Field
- neuroscience, psychiatry
- Related Concepts
- perception, sleep paralysis
- Typical Context
- clinical and sleep research
Related Terms
FAQ
Are hallucinations always a sign of illness?
No. Isolated hallucinations can occur in healthy people, for example during sleep paralysis or hypnagogia.