[Generalized or focal photosensitive epilepsies]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 1998 Nov;154(11):757-61.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Photosensitivity is defined by a pattern of occipital or more diffuse spikes and waves. Several techniques are needed for exploration: intermittent light stimulation (ILS), patterns, TV-screen, video games. Photosensitivity is a genetic characteristic. Only diffuse spikes and waves induced by ILS are correlated with epilepsy. Pure photogenic epilepsy is characterized by seizures induced by visual stimuli alone, usually by TV-screen. Video games may also have a triggering effect due to the slow-moving patterns or intense brightness. Several epileptic syndromes are associated with photosensitivity with or without visually-induced seizures. These syndromes are most often generalized and idiopathic.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsies, Partial / drug therapy
  • Epilepsies, Partial / etiology*
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Photic Stimulation / adverse effects*
  • Syndrome
  • Television
  • Video Games