What is photosensitive epilepsy?

Photosensitive describes a sensitivity to flashing lights, usually of high intensity, which are pulsating in a regular pattern. Many people are uncomfortable when exposed to such lights, but siezures may be induced in people suffering with photosensitive epilepsy.

Who has photosensitive epilepsy?

Photosensitive epilepsy most commonly affects children, and usually appears between the ages of 8 and 20 years. The incidence is highest around ages 12 and 13. It is estimated that fewer than 5% of people with epilepsy are photosensitive. In addition, there is an unknown number of photosensitive persons who have as yet not had a seizure.

What kinds of flashing lights can trigger seizures?

Not all flashing lights or visual patterns will trigger a seizure, even in individuals who are photosensitive. The rate of the flashing light, the duration of the flashing, and the intensity of the light all play a part. A flash at a frequency of between 15 and 20 flashes per second is most likely to cause a seizure, whereas very few people are sensitive to a rate of 3 flashes per second.

How can I tell if a seizure is occurring?

Watch for brief episodes of blank staring in which the individual seems momentarily frozen in place, episodes of rapid blinking or twitching of the mouth or face, jerking movements in other parts of the body, loss of attention, brief inability to talk or respond, or reports from the individual about changes in the way things look, sound, smell or feel.

Can video games cause epilepsy?

Current medical opinion suggests that video games do not create a tendency to have seizures in persons where that tendency is not already there. However, games featuring patterns of flashing lights and repetitive pattern images may trigger seizures in people with photosensitivity. Today, the manufacturers of video games often put a warning to this effect right on their products.

Can computer screens cause seizures?

Seizures may be triggered in individuals with epilepsy who are sensitive to the flickering of the computer screen, although the flicker rate is not thought to be very provocative. Anti-reflective screens are easily available and may lessen this effect for some people.

How can photosensitive seizures be avoided?

If you have photosensitive epilepsy, taking a few simple steps can be helpful:

• Sitting at least 2.5 metres away from the television set and 30 cm. back from a computer monitor.
• Not increasing the contrast and brightness of a screen. Using a high-quality computer monitor, with a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz (VGA quality or better).
• Viewing in a well-lit room to help counteract the brightness of the screen. Eliminating reflected ambient light on the screen. Minimising exposure to fluorescent lighting.