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Recurring déjà vu associated with 5-hydroxytryptophan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Seema Kalra
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle, UK
Andrew Chancellor
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tauranga, New Zealand
Adam Zeman*
Affiliation:
Cognitive and Behavioural Neurology Research Group, Peninsula Medical School, Mardon Centre, Exeter, UK
*
Professor Adam Zeman, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter EX2 4UD, UK. Tel: 01392-208581/208583; Fax: 01392-662929; E-mail: adam.zeman@pms.ac.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.

Type
Case report
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard

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