Conditions That Cause Confabulation

Anton's Syndrome

Anton's syndrome is an incredibly rare disorder that has only even been detailed in twenty-eight medical cases. Also called visual anosognosia, this is a type of brain damage that harms the occipital lobe. Due to this brain damage, the individual is entirely incapable of seeing. However, in a very unusual twist, the confabulation caused by Anton's syndrome results in a patient who strongly believes they can still see. Despite all sorts of evidence they are blind, patients may continue to insist they can see because the confabulation is so strong. Their brain fills in all the missing sensory input, so individuals may believe they can see a room and their surroundings clearly. However, when asked to describe the surroundings, it will be evident the person is not actually seeing them. They may do things like attempt to walk through a wall because they see a door there or run into furniture they do not realize exists.