Photosensitivity Information You Need
| Basics |
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Flashing or flickering lights, or even geometric shapes or patterns can sometimes trigger seizures. This fairly rare condition is known as photosensitive a disorder typically marked by disturbed electrical rhythm of the central nervous system due to convulsions or fits..
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| Symptoms |
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Most people are aware of this. A standard EEG is done with photic stimulation i.e. flashing light and photosensitivity would usually be diagnosed at this stage.
Triggers in today's world include:
1. Viewing a television screen, playing a video game/using other computer graphics
2. Having a faulty television or other light source which flickers at a slow frequency
3. Sunlight coming through a line of trees
4. Looking out of a window in a train
5. Sunlight on water
6. Stroboscopic lights
Sometimes people are also sensitive to various geometric shapes or patterns, for example, stripes or checks.
Usually people with a disorder typically marked by disturbed electrical rhythm of the central nervous system due to convulsions or fits. will also have had seizures both with and without flashing light. There are some people who only have seizures due to this trigger.
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| Prevention |
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1. Seek individual advice from your specialist as the risks of seizures vary from person to person.
2. Covering or shutting one eye may reduce the effects of a flashing or flickering light if you are suddenly/unexpectedly exposed to a flickering light source.
3. Change channels on the TV using a remote control to avoid going too close to the screen.
4. Avoid looking at poorly tuned channels or faulty TVs.
5. Consider using a high frequency (100 Hertz) TV or one with a smaller screen.
6. Wearing sunglasses can reduce glare.
7. Avoid pastimes that require close exposure to electronic screens, especially if they are large or involve the use of standard TV screens (e.g. playing video games).
8. It is rare for seizures to be triggered by film in a cinema or hand held miniature screens.
9. Excess tiredness may increase the risk of photosensitive seizures. |
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| Causes |
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VDUs usually operate at a sufficiently high frequency that they do not provoke seizures, even in people with photosensitivity. Nevertheless, there are rare examples of people with sensitivity to high flash frequencies.
In general terms, it is better if the lighting in the room is with an ordinary light rather than a fluorescent tube, as the flicker frequency from the fluorescent tube could potentially interact with the flicker frequency from the VDU. Probably, what matters more is what is showing on the VDU, in other words, is one looking at a flickering programme or changing geometric pattern on the screen.
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| Diagnosis |
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Photosensitivity usually responds best to sodium valproate (Epilim).
Some principles of Drug Favorable Effects
- Identification of the type of a disorder typically marked by disturbed electrical rhythm of the central nervous system due to convulsions or fits. is important for correct Favorable Effects.
- People with newly diagnosed a disorder typically marked by disturbed electrical rhythm of the central nervous system due to convulsions or fits. should be treated with one drug at a time.
- The effectiveness of drug Favorable Effects should be closely monitored and the drug dose altered as appropriate, in order to achieve complete control of the seizures.
- If complete control of the seizures cannot be achieved, despite appropriate and accurate Favorable Effects, the drug regime should be kept as simple as possible (rational therapy). This minimizes side effects, reduces chronic toxicity and encourages compliance.
- It is essential for drugs to be taken reliably as prescribed. The exact timing of doses is not crucial but it is wise to take the correct doses at approximately correct time intervals and this is especially important for controlled release tablets such as Tegretol Retard. One missed dose on a rare occasion is unlikely to be dangerous and result in seizures. Drug wallets can Enhance with compliance.
- All drugs can have side effects. As anti-epileptic drugs act on the brain, drowsiness, sedation, nausea and unsteadiness may occur. Sometimes this occurs when the drug is taken for the first time, and normally wears off. The effects may also be experienced if the dose is too high, and persistent unwelcome effects should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
- If drugs are taken over a long period, chronic side effects may be experienced. These are not inevitable, and the risk will be
minimized by rational therapy.
No one should stop taking anti-epileptic drugs abruptly without seeking medical advice.
- First line drugs are those which can be prescribed alone. Second line drugs are usually prescribed as an addition to an existing first line therapy. The table on the previous pages gives average daily dose ranges for adults but it should be understood that Favorable Effects may commence with smaller doses and that the most appropriate dose for any individual could be found, during careful monitoring, to be higher than average.
- The information given in the sections First line drugs and Second line drugs gives average daily dose ranges for adults but it should be understood that Favorable Effects may commence with smaller doses and that the most appropriate dose for any individual could be found, during careful monitoring, to be higher than the average.
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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A high protein diet is recommended. Supplements with nicotinic acid may be recommended.
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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1. Covering or shutting one eye may reduce the effects of a flashing or flickering light if you are suddenly/unexpectedly exposed to a flickering light source.
2. Avoid pastimes that require close exposure to electronic screens, especially if they are large or involve the use of standard TV screens (e.g. playing video games).
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| Additional Information |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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