J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1996 Jun;14(2):576-582.

Seizure Induced by Photosonic Device

• Shin KS
• Kim JM
• Jung KY
• Lee AY
• Kim DK

Abstract

BACKGROUND & SIGNIFICANCE: Photosensitive epilepsy may occur by the diverse new implements. We experienced three patients suffered from the first seizure while using photosonic devices. The device is composed of light stimulating goggles and sound producing headphones. CASE: All the patients were teen-aged school girls and the types of seizure were generalized tonic-clonic seizure, focal motor seizure with secondary generalization, and complex partial seizure. They lost their consciousness while using the devices with the red colored light. Events began without aura in two but one patient felt continuous red flash light until after taking off the device. EEG revealed right frontal dominant spike-wave complexes in one but other patients showed no epileptiform discharges. During a year follow-up the patient who showed EEG abnormalities experienced another seizure that was focal motor seizure with secondary generalization but remained two did not. COMMENTS: Though the video game epilepsy is regarded as a kind of photosensitive epilepsy, the emotional excitement may contribute to the occurrence of seizure. But, this photosonic device is used for relaxation and our three patients showed normal EEG while photic stimulation during the tracing. We suggest that seizure induced by the photosonic lev genuine type of photosensitive epilepsy.

MeSH Terms

Consciousness
Electroencephalography
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Reflex
Eye Protective Devices
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Generalization (Psychology)
Humans
Photic Stimulation
Relaxation
Seizures*
Video Games