| MadSci Network: Neuroscience |
Hi Mikael -- Flickering light can trigger an epileptic seizure. This is a well- documented effect first noted in the early days of television (and publicized when a Pokemon episode triggered epilepsy-like seizures in Japanese children a few years back). Interestingly, the 50 Hz flicker rate of a television set in Europe is more likely to precipitate a seizure than the 60 Hz flicker rate of Japanese and American TVs. Alternating patterns of sunlight and shadow, discotheques, and strobes are other potential seizure triggers. Still, flashing lights are thought to trigger only a small percentage of epilepsy cases. Some simple behavioural steps (like sitting far away from television sets or monitors) can minimize seizure triggers. There are many good resources on the web for persons wishing to learn more about photosensitive epilepsy; here are two which I found particularly informative: http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photofrm.html http://www.tv.cbc.ca/undercurrents/epilepsy_special/harding.html (Harding has written a book on this topic). Cheers, Amanda Kahn amandak@phy.ucsf.edu
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