What Is Photosensitive Epilepsy?

What is photosensitive epilepsy?

It is a type of epilepsy, and a doctor assesses it and explains what it means for you.

• Seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering lights or certain patterns, according to Epilepsy Action Australia.
• It is seen in up to 5% of people with epilepsy, so light is not a trigger for most people with the condition.
• Triggers are generally between 8 and 30 flashes per second, but your specialist can explain what applies to you.
• Our guide to the different types of epilepsy shows where this form fits among others.

Photosensitive epilepsy symptoms

Seizures look different from person to person, so describe what you saw rather than trying to name the type.

For a wider view, see what the symptoms of epilepsy are. Only a qualified professional can assess this.

Epilepsy and flashing lights: what can trigger a seizure

Epilepsy Action Australia links this type of epilepsy with flashing or flickering lights and certain patterns.

• Note patterns of exposure such as screens, games or strobe effects at events, and share the list with your doctor.
• Keep a seizure diary with date, time, setting and what happened before, because it helps a specialist review triggers.
• Remember that photosensitive epilepsy is seen in up to 5% of people with epilepsy, so ask your doctor which triggers, if any, apply to you.
• Read our guide to what can trigger epilepsy for other common triggers.

Can flashing lights cause seizures without epilepsy?

A seizure after exposure to flashing lights should always be checked by a doctor, whether or not epilepsy has been diagnosed.

• See your GP after any first seizure, even if it seemed to be set off by lights and has not happened again.
• Tell the doctor exactly what the person was doing and watching, and share any phone video that was taken safely.
• Ask the specialist what the seizure means, because a single seizure and epilepsy are not the same thing.
• Read what can cause epilepsy and ask your doctor about the cause for you or your family member.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Light sensitive epilepsy and visual epilepsy: how it is assessed

People use terms like light sensitive epilepsy and visual epilepsy online, but a doctor decides what type applies.

1. 1See your GP. Bring notes of what happened and a list of settings or screens involved, and ask for a referral to a paediatrician or neurologist.
2. 2Describe the seizures clearly. Say what happened before, during and after, and who saw it.
3. 3Ask which tests are suitable. The specialist decides which tests, if any, help in your situation.
4. 4Ask for the type of epilepsy to be explained. Compare with focal epilepsy if you hear that term.
5. 5Book a review. Triggers and needs can change, so keep your specialist updated.

Photosensitive epilepsy treatment

Treatment decisions belong to your specialist, and plans differ between people.

• Talk to your GP, paediatrician, neurologist or pharmacist about what is suitable, including medicines and trigger planning.
• Never start, stop, change or share seizure medicine without advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
• Ask for a written epilepsy management plan that says what to do during a seizure and when to call 000.
• Review the plan with your doctor when circumstances change, and share it with school, work and support workers.

Epilepsy lights at home, school and in the community

Planning ahead helps everyone know what to do, without taking away the fun of everyday life.

• Put a copy of the management plan where carers and visitors can find it, such as on the fridge.
• Check with venues, cinemas or event organisers about flashing effects before you go, and ask your doctor what you should do.
• Look for epilepsy warning text on games, videos and venue signs, and treat it as a prompt to check the plan, not a guarantee of safety.
• Talk to your doctor about screen time, and ask what a workable routine looks like for you or your child.

Photosensitive epilepsy and the NDIS

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, the NDIS may fund supports for daily life, depending on your plan.

• Ask your doctor for a letter describing the diagnosis and how seizures affect daily activities.
• Read whether epilepsy is a disability to see how functional impact is considered.
• If you need close supervision, read about high intensity supports and the high-care and complex support we provide.
• Keep copies of reports, diaries and your management plan together for planning meetings.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

Raise concerns early, and do not wait for a seizure to repeat.

• You or your child have had a seizure, especially one that seemed to follow flashing or flickering lights or patterns.
• Seizures are happening more often or look different from before.
• You want a written management plan for school, work or home.
• You have questions about medicine or side effects, and want a review.
• You are unsure about the safety of screens, events or activities. Call 000 in an emergency.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Next step: practical support at home

At TQN Care, we do not diagnose or treat epilepsy, but we can help with daily life. Our support workers follow your management plan and help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home. Read about our high-care and complex support, or make a referral and we will call you back to talk through what you need.