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Frequently asked questions and answers on Visually-Provoked (Photosensitive) epilepsy.

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Frequently asked questions and answers on Visually-Provoked (Photosensitive) epilepsy. Epilepsy & behavior reports Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité, D., Acharya, J., Baumer, F. M., Beran, R., Craiu, D., French, J., Parisi, P., Solodar, J., Szaflarski, J. P., Takahashi, Y., Thio, L. L., Tolchin, B., Wilkins, A., Fisher, R. S. 2025; 30: 100753

Abstract

Clinical experts associated with national epilepsy-related societies, led by the Epilepsy Foundation, collected, collated and answered "Frequently asked questions (FAQ)" of broad interest pertaining to visually-provoked seizures. Questions emerged from people with epilepsy, caretakers and healthcare professionals from different countries around the world. Focus is on practical implications of visually-provoked seizures. The top 5 most frequently asked questions were.1.How does a doctor make a diagnosis of visually-provoked seizures?2.What can I do in general to prevent visually-provoked seizures?3.Will I need antiseizure medications for my visually-provoked seizures?"4.Will I outgrow visually-provoked seizures? How will I know if I've outgrown them?5.How do I enable safety features to block content that could trigger seizures on social media, websites, phones, laptops and tablets?Answers were based on scientific evidence, where such information was available [1] and expert opinion when formal evidence was insufficient. Key answers included distinction of photoparoxysmal EEG findings versus light-provoked seizures. Typical provocation is by flashes at 10-25 per second or certain moving patterns. There is a genetic risk, which is outgrown in about half. Covering one or both eyes can prevent a light-provoked seizure. TV, videogames, virtual reality and 3D images are not in themselves provocative, but their content can be. Topics covered included: 1. Photosensitive epilepsy diagnosis; 2. Preventing visually-provoked seizures; 3. Do treatments help; 4. Life and behavioral decisions; 5. School; 6. Multi-media; 7. Children and youth.

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