This article explains what a photosensitive seizure is like and what triggers these seizures.
Can Flashing Lights Cause Seizures?
These seizures can include repetitive movements of the whole body as well.
Illustration by Jiaqi Zhou for Verywell Health
You might be aware of what is happening during the episode or your consciousness can be impaired.
These seizures generally last for a few seconds but can go on for several minutes or longer.
They are described as tonic-clonic seizures orgrand malseizures.
Myoclonic seizures:Myoclonicseizures are characterized by involuntary rhythmic spasms alternating with relaxation.
They generally affect only one part of the body, such as the arm.
During one of these episodes, you would not lose muscle tone or fall down.
The seizures usually last for a few seconds.
Postictalstate: After your seizure is over, you may feel exhausted or disoriented.
You might have a sense of tingling or weakness in part of your body.
These postictal symptoms generally resolve within 12 to 24 hours.
Many people become concerned that these experiences could be photosensitive seizures.
However, these common symptoms are not part of a photosensitive seizure.
What Causes Photosensitive Epilepsy?
There are a number of triggers that can provoke a photosensitive seizure.
Unusual causes include bar code scanners, emergency vehicles, and flashing telephone lights.
Seizure Triggers
Your brain functions as a result of electrical activity betweennerve cells.
Seizures can occur when there are alterations in the brains normal electrical activity.
How Rare Is Photosensitive Epilepsy?
Widespread Episode of Photosensitive Seizures
Many people have heard of photosensitive seizures.
Do Flashing Lights Cause Epilepsy?
Diagnosing Photosensitive Seizures
Photosensitive epilepsy is characterized by seizures that are provoked by visual triggers.
While uncommon, some people can experience a photosensitive seizure only once and may never experience it again.
In some instances, your medical team may expose you to a visual trigger during your EEG examination.
The trigger may provoke a seizure, supporting a diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy.
Similar Conditions
Occipital seizures are rare.
They are different than photosensitive seizures.
They start in the occipital lobe of the brain but are not necessarily triggered by visual stimuli.
Occipital seizures may cause visual hallucinations.
They can be due to tumors or brain malformations of the occipital lobe.Occipital strokealso may be involved.
If you have a known seizure trigger, including a visual trigger, make a run at avoid it.
Seizures are not always dangerous but they can be.
you’re able to experience a physical injury as a result of a seizure.
Most people who experience photosensitivity seizures have an underlying epilepsy condition.
One diagnosed, the treatment options (like medications) are similar to those of other seizures.
With photosensitivity seizures, though, it’s possible to avoid seizures by limiting exposure to the stimuli.
Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you think you are having photosensitivity seizures.
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