Photosensitivity and self-induction in patients aged 50 and older

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epilepsy Research
• Photosensitivity Studies

Background:

• Photosensitivity is frequently observed in pediatric and adolescent populations, with a notable female predominance.
• Limited data exists regarding the prevalence and clinical presentation of photosensitivity in individuals aged 50 and older.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of photoparoxysmal EEG response (PPR) in patients aged 50 years and older.
• To describe the phenotypic characteristics of photosensitivity in this older demographic.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study analyzed EEG data from 2015-2021 for patients aged 50+.
• Clinical and EEG data were extracted from medical records.
• Telephone interviews were conducted to assess daily-life photosensitivity symptoms.

Main Results:

• 16 out of 248 patients (6.5%) aged 50+ exhibited a PPR.
• Photosensitivity was linked to childhood-onset epilepsy (8 patients), adult-onset epilepsy (7 patients), or was an incidental finding (1 patient).
• In the 50+ group, 56% of photosensitive patients were female, contrasting with 72% in the total PPR group. Eye closure sensitivity was noted in 6 patients, and 8 out of 9 interviewed reported daily symptoms, with sunglasses being helpful for 7.

Conclusions:

• A female preponderance for photosensitivity was not observed in older epilepsy patients (50+).
• Adult-onset epilepsy accounted for 44% of photosensitive cases in this older cohort.
• Daily life photosensitivity symptoms in older adults appear similar to those in younger individuals, suggesting equal diagnostic and therapeutic consideration is warranted.