Photosensitive epilepsy is when seizures are triggered by flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns.
An electroencephalogram EEG can help with diagnosis and may include testing for photosensitive epilepsy.
This usually involves looking at a light that will flash at different speeds but other triggers can be tested for in specialist centres.
If this causes any changes in brain activity, the physiologist will stop the flashing light before a seizure develops.
Factors that may increase risk
- Tiredness, stress, or excitement. For example, playing a video game for a long time without breaks.
- Being very close to a screen.
- A light and dark pattern moving quickly, or changing direction, creating a disorientating effect.
- Seeing the effect against a dark background.
- Change in vision
- Dizziness
- Body sensation
- Headache
- Jerky movement of arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Clenching of teeth
- Sudden fall
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of bladder control
- Avoid exposing to flashing lights and if it is not possible, try to look away from the source of the light.
- Always watch television in a well-lit room
- Watch TV on LCD screens, it is good for the muscles around your eyes
- Do not watch television for a prolonged time
- Prefer sitting as far as possible from the television
- Do not play video games when you are tired
- Take frequent breaks while working on the computer
- Avoid such places where strobe lights are used
Covering one eye completely with your hand will greatly reduce the photosensitive effect.
The most common way to treat photosensitive epilepsy is with anti-seizure medication (ASM). This is to lower the risk of having a seizure.
How common is the disease?
Photosensitive Epilepsy affects 1 in 4000 people. This is especially common in children with genetical epilepsy along with certain syndromes like Jeavon’s syndrome, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, etc. As per studies, between 30 to 90 percent of people with juvenile myoclonic syndrome have photosensitive epilepsy.
What are the symptoms of photosensitive epilepsy?
When people hear the word” seizure”, they often think of grand mal or clonic seizure that causes unconsciousness and muscle spasms. But there are certain types of seizures that are mild in nature and so, they are hardly noticeable.
The symptoms of photosensitive Epilepsy vary depending on the type of seizure the person has. Here we will talk about some of its common symptoms –
Diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy
A doctor can diagnose a person with photosensitive epilepsy after that person has two or more seizures. To start with the diagnosis process, the doctor will first review all the above-mentioned symptoms. He will consider discussing with the friends or family members of that person who have noticed his or her seizures. The doctor will perform a neurological test through which he will check his muscle strength, posture, and reflexes.
An EEG test is also given to patients that diagnose the electrical activity of the brain as well as record any unusual pattern related to the symptoms of epilepsy.
Treatment of Photosensitive Epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsy responds well to seizure treatment. If you are sensitive to flickering lights or flashing lights, you can prevent seizures by following these below-mentioned steps –
There are just a few to mention here. There are many other steps that need to be followed along with medicines to prevent this disease. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor first to get the best treatment for Photosensitive Epilepsy.
Dr. Sourav Nanda Neurologist