Analysis of photo-pattern sensitivity in patients with Pokemon-related symptoms

Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Jan;28(1):28-36. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(02)00463-0.

Abstract

This study was designed to analyze photo-pattern sensitivity in patients who developed acute neurologic symptoms associated with watching an animated television program, "Pokemon." The 18 patients (13 females and five males) underwent electroencephalograms and photo-pattern stimulation testing, including special stimulation test batteries (strobe-pattern test and cathode ray tube-pattern test). Photo-pattern sensitivity was confirmed in 16 patients with and without seizure episodes. The strobe-pattern test including a white flickering light test (with eyes open, closed, and open or closed), and the cathode ray tube-pattern test each induced a photo-paroxysmal response in more than 80% of patients. However, with the eyes closed only, as is common in Japan, the photo-paroxysmal response induction rate with a white flickering light stimulus was significantly lower (43%). In the cathode ray tube-pattern test, higher spatial frequencies produced higher rates of photo-paroxysmal response induction. It was demonstrated that underlying photo-pattern sensitivity is more accurately investigated by our method than by standard intermittent photic stimulation alone. By characterizing underlying photo-pattern sensitivity and identifying predisposing factors more precisely, we can develop better guidelines for prevention of a second "Pokemon" incident. According to the results of the present cathode ray tube-pattern test, pattern sensitivity (especially spatial resolution) appears to also be involved in Pokemon-related symptoms, in addition to chromatic sensitivity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Data Display
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Epilepsy / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Television*
  • Unconsciousness / diagnosis
  • Unconsciousness / etiology
  • Unconsciousness / prevention & control