Epileptic seizures via TV or Computer screen? - Epilepsy Action

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Epileptic seizures via TV or Computer screen?

Adlon57 profile image
6 Replies

Can the glare of the TV or the screen of a computer screen enhance the chance of having a seizure, if you have epilepsy already?

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Adlon57
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6 Replies
UnwelcomeVisitor profile image
UnwelcomeVisitor

Only 3% of people with epilepsy suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.

The only way that your neurologist will be able to clarify whether or not you have this type of epilepsy or not is by sending you for an electroencephalogram EEG.

Please contact your neurologist a.s.a.p to clarify if you have this type of epilepsy or not.

All the best

Richard

Adlon57 profile image
Adlon57 in reply toUnwelcomeVisitor

Interesting, I have had epilepsy for some time but that point could have slipped through the net?

UnwelcomeVisitor profile image
UnwelcomeVisitor in reply toAdlon57

As I say to make double sure it is worth seeing your GP and if they have any doubt they will refer you back to your neurologist for a electroencephalogram EEG test.

Here's wishing you and your family all the best health wise.

Kind regards

Richard

Author of Epilepsy the Unwelcome Visitor.

epilepsy-theunwelcomevisito...

EpilepsyAction1 profile image
EpilepsyAction1PartnerEpilepsy Action

Hello Adlon57

It is unusual for modern television or computer screens to trigger seizures. For some people who have photosensitive epilepsy though, the screen or images they are looking at may trigger a seizure though. For these people, it is not the glare which causes the seizure, it is the flicker rate/contrasting patterns. More information about this can be found on our website: epilepsy.org.uk/info/photos...

You can also find more information about photosensitive epilepsy on our website: epilepsy.org.uk/info/photos...

Karen

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

romaluna2015 profile image
romaluna2015

I have absense seizures which can happen if I'm watching tele but I don't think I have photo sensitive epilepsy x

Adlon57 profile image
Adlon57

I have a cut-off time 21.00 for my computer, not so much with TV [I think I really should have?] I do not think the screen enhances my chance of having a seizure, but after that time I usually find it is hard getting to sleep, I have bad eyesight so always wear glasses at all times, 3 pairs! I have had juvenile myclonic epilepsy for over 40 years.

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