Photosensitive and Pattern-Sensitive Epilepsy: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

Photsensitive epilepsy is the most common type of reflex epilepsy. Seizures in people with photosensitive or patter-sensitive occur in response to specific visual stimuli such as strobe lights, or flashing computer graphics, or, in some people, fixed stripes and gemetric patterns. The risk of these seizures has grown due to the tremendous increse in electronic screen exposure in daily life. This guide describes photosensitivity and pattern sensitivity and how they are diagnosed, managed and treated. It provides patient and caregivers with recommendations regarding strategies and environmental modifications that can reduce seizures triggered by common visual stimuli. Cobalt blue eyeglasses or sunglasses are strongly recommended for seizure protection.