Video Games and Epilepsy - GUEST BLOG

On December 16th, 1997, over 12,000 Japanese children experienced neurology and seizure problems after watching a Pokemon cartoon. According to a journal article in Epilepsia, it was determined that red-blue colors flashing in the range of 1-65 flash cycles per second were the chief contributing factors. Since video games involve bright colors, a lot of flashes, and frequent flickering light levels, those who are photosensitive or epileptic may be at more risk when playing certain games.

 

Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is a condition where there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. This increase in irregular activity disrupts normal function, and the affected person may have mild symptoms where they lose attention for a few minutes, or severe symptoms where a generalized seizure occurs. Seizure disorders are more common in people who have had a brain injury or have a family history of epilepsy. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 2 million people in the United States have epilepsy, or about 7 out of every 1,000 people. About another 800,000 people between the ages 5-17 are considered photosensitive. This photosensitivity is more common in children, an age where video game playing is very common.

 

The Epilepsy Foundation has published guidelines for preventing photosensitive seizures while playing video games. These recommendations include the following:

• Sit at least 2 feet from the screen in a well-lit room. The farther the distance, the lower the risk.
• Reduce the brightness of the screen—this reduces the contrast that can cause seizures.
• Do not let children play video games if they are tired. Fatigue and sleep deprivation contribute to seizures.
• Take frequent breaks from the games.
• Look away from the screen from time to time.
• Do not close and open eyes while looking at the screen – blinking can promote seizures in sensitive individuals.
• Cover one eye while playing, alternating which eye is covered at regular intervals.
• Turn the game off if strange or unusual feelings or body jerks develop.

If seizures do occur, seek medical care immediately. Patients frequently are referred to a neurologist, who is a specialist in disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. Primary care providers can refer patients to a local neurologist. Those who specialize in seizure disorders are listed at sites like the 

American Epilepsy Society. Medical centers at major universities have neurology departments staffed with leaders in the field.

Those people who are suspected of being photosensitive or epileptic usually are diagnosed with an EEG. This is a test that checks brain waves and the response to certain lights, colors, and flickers. The doctor will also do a physical exam and other needed testing to help make the correct diagnosis.

 

The most common treatment is medication to decrease the irregular brain activity. Rarely, surgery is needed in very severe cases.

With appropriate treatment and caution during video game play, people who are photosensitive can continue to enjoy playing video games. For those people struggling with video game addiction there are many treatment centers around the country that provide help for those in need.

 

This article was courtesy of my

 

fantastic NEW guest blogger,

 

Paige Taylor