Characteristics of an adult photosensitive cohort

Intermittent Photic Stimulation (IPS) is a well recognized provocation maneuver during EEG recording which helps in identifying underlying photosensitivity. The frequency and characteristics of various responses to photosensitivity among our adult patients was determine. EEGs of subjects > or =15 years from 2003-2006, were reviewed. Two main photosensitive responses were observed: Photoparoxysmal (PPR) and Photic-driving response (PDR). Demographic and clinical data was also collected. Out of 5950 EEG's performed, response to IPS were detected in 1.2% (n=73) of EEGs. Out of which 49 (67%) had PDR and 24 (33%) had PPR. Mean age of PPR group was 25.7 +/- 12 years with equal gender distribution. In PPR subjects, epilepsy was the final EEG conclusion in majority of patients 96% (n=23) p-value < 0.001. Primary Generalized Epilepsy being the most common 52% (n=12). In contrast, PDR observed in normal EEG's was 45% (n=22). This study revealed low frequency 1.2% of photosensitive responses. PPR is seen frequently in patients with epilepsy (96%, p-value < 0.001), and highest rate (52%) of photosensitivity was observed in patients with primary generalized epilepsy.