Photosensitive Epilepsy – Know Some of the FAQs

Photosensitive epilepsy is when you experience seizures after exposure to flashing or flickering lights. It's most commonly triggered by watching television or playing video games, but it can also be triggered by natural light and static images with highly contrasting patterns.

Images flash very quickly and generally this is too quickly to trigger a seizure in people with photosensitive epilepsy. However, the field of view is large and so more of the eye is stimulated. This means that more of the brain may be affected and this may trigger a seizure.

People with photosensitive epilepsy typically have what's called a "generalized tonic-clonic seizure." This is also known as a convulsive seizure. A tonic-clonic seizure should last no more than five minutes.

Some studies suggest that wearing polaroid sunglasses or blue-toned lenses may be effective at reducing the risk of seizures.

Some people do outgrow their seizures, but the decrease in the chance for seizures may not happen for many years: 75% of people with photosensitive reflex epilepsy continue to have seizures after age 25 if not treated.

Photosensitive epilepsy usually responds well to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) that treat generalized seizures (seizures that affect both sides of the brain at once).

• Tiredness, stress or excitement.
• A light and dark pattern moving quickly.
• Seeing the effect against a dark background, such as watching a screen in a darkened room.