What causes photosensitive epileptic seizures?
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.
What happens photosensitive epilepsy?
Photosensitive epilepsy is when seizures are triggered by flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns. Photosensitive epilepsy is not common but it may be diagnosed when you have an EEG test. Flashing or patterned effects can make people with or without epilepsy feel disorientated, uncomfortable or unwell.
What part of the brain causes epileptic seizures?
The temporal lobes are the areas of the brain that most commonly give rise to seizures. The mesial portion (middle) of both temporal lobes is very important in epilepsy — it is frequently the source of seizures and can be prone to damage or scarring.
What does a photosensitive seizure look like?
People with photosensitive epilepsy have seizures that are triggered by: Flashing lights. Bold, contrasting visual patterns (such as stripes or checks) Overexposure to video games.
What are the symptoms of photosensitivity?
Symptoms of photosensitivity may include a pink or red skin rash with blotchy blisters, scaly patches, or raised spots on areas directly exposed to the sun. Itching and burning may occur and the rash may last for several days. In some people, the reaction to sunlight gradually becomes less with subsequent exposures.
What are the symptoms of an epileptic seizure?
General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:
- Staring.
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs.
- Stiffening of the body.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Breathing problems or stopping breathing.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness.
How long does a photosensitive seizure last?
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. Symptoms include: Loss of consciousness and patient falls to the ground.
What triggers epileptic seizures?
Missed Medication. Missed medication is the#1 reason why people with controlled seizures have breakthrough ones (sudden,unexpected seizures in a person who previously had control over their seizures).
What are the symptoms of photosensitive epilepsy?
Muscles become stiff due to contractions
Can an epileptic seizure Kill You?
Epileptics do have an increased risk of death compared to non-epileptics. However, epilepsy itself, that is having seizures, isn’t thought to be what kills someone with epilepsy. Rather it is the underlying cause of the epilepsy that is deadly.