Photic‐ and Pattern‐induced Seizures: A Review for the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group

Abstract

Summary:Purpose: This report summarizes background material presented to a consensus conference on visually provoked seizures, convened by the Epilepsy Foundation of America.Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was performed.Results: Photosensitivity, an abnormal EEG response to light or pattern stimulation, occurs in ∼0.3-3% of the population. The estimated prevalence of seizures from light stimuli is ∼1 per 10,000, or 1 per 4,000 individuals age 5-24 years. People with epilepsy have a 2-14% chance of having seizures precipitated by light or pattern. In the Pokemon cartoon incident in Japan, 685 children visited a hospital in reaction to red-blue flashes on broadcast television (TV). Only 24% who had a seizure during the cartoon had previously experienced a seizure. Photic or pattern stimulation can provoke seizures in predisposed individuals, but such stimulation is not known to increase the chance of subsequent epilepsy. Intensities of 0.2-1.5 million candlepower are in the range to trigger seizures. Frequencies of 15-25 Hz are most provocative, but the range is 1-65 Hz. Light-dark borders can induce pattern-sensitive seizures, and red color also is a factor. Seizures can be provoked by certain TV shows, movie screen images, video games, natural stimuli (e.g, sun on water), public displays, and many other sources.Conclusions: Recommendations on reducing risk of seizures have been developed by agencies in the United Kingdom, Japan, and the International Telecommunications Union, affiliated with the United Nations. The Epilepsy Foundation of America has developed a consensus of medical experts and scientists on this subject, reported in an accompanying work.

The Use of Audio Stimulation to Affect Sensorimotor Learning

“…The key frequency to avoid is 15 Hz, which is given in prior art as the frequency with the greatest risk of seizures, with the risk decreasing linearly on either side. Further seizure risks not covered in this study include the color red, stripes, and alternating light and dark patterns [12]. All variance analyses performed on the data used p<0.05 as the probability level to accept statistical significance.…”

Comparison of the influence of stimuli color on Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials

“…These frequencies were chosen due to: 1) our previous studies (Tello et al, 2014a;2014b;2014c) have shown that these generate strongest SSVEP responses; 2) safety recommendations specified in Fisher et al (2005); 3) studies conducted by Pastor et al (2003) about the relationship between visual stimuli and SSVEP-evoked amplitudes recommend these frequencies; 4) studies conducted by Herrmann (2001) showing peaks of SSVEPs at ∼15 Hz.…”

“…According to Drew et al (2001), lower frequency flickers generally produce more powerful constrictions, with color-dependence of flickers most visible between 3 and 6 Hz. In other study, Fisher et al (2005) show that flash and pattern reversal stimuli can provoke epileptic seizures especially in the 15-25 Hz range, but for some people, the upper limit of sensitivity can be as high as 65 Hz (Fisher et al, 2005).…”

Medical Depressive Disorder, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy and Their Current Treatments Available in India

“…Often the underlying disease is epilepsy, but at other times it may be a nonepileptic disorder that causes symptoms that resemble an epileptic seizure. 44 The term epilepsy encompasses a group of syndromes that vary in its associated pathology and seizure types. The diagnosis of the epileptic syndrome is one of the primary objectives undertaken when managing a patient with seizures.…”