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Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
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"Selfie-epilepsy": A novel photosensitivity.

P M Brna¹, K G Gordon¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Canada.

|March 9, 2017

Summary

Photosensitive epilepsy can be triggered by flashing lights. A new study shows that taking "selfies" may also induce seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Epilepsy Research

Background:

Photosensitivity affects a small percentage of epilepsy patients.
Triggers include natural light, strobe lights, and digital screen flicker frequencies.

Observation:

A case study documented photosensitivity during video EEG monitoring.
The patient experienced reproducible seizures while taking selfies.

Findings:

Selfie-taking behavior was identified as a novel trigger for photosensitive epilepsy.
The patient exhibited photosensitive myoclonus with intermittent photic stimulation.

Implications:

Individuals with photosensitive epilepsy should exercise caution when taking selfies.
Selfie-induced seizures represent a new consideration in epilepsy management.

Keywords:

Epilepsy Photoparoxymsal response Photosensitivity Seizures Selfie

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