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Review
. 2005 Sep;46(9):1423-5.
doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.31305.x.

Photic- and pattern-induced seizures: expert consensus of the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group

Graham Harding  1 , Arnold J Wilkins, Giuseppe Erba, Gregory L Barkley, Robert S Fisher; Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Photic- and pattern-induced seizures: expert consensus of the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group

Graham Harding et al. Epilepsia. 2005 Sep.
Free article

Abstract

Purpose: In August, 2004, the Epilepsy Foundation of America convened a workshop to begin to develop an expert consensus on photosensitive seizures.

Methods: Literature and data were reviewed, and consensus was derived from discussion.

Results: A flash is a potential hazard if it has luminance >or=20 cd/m2, occurs at a frequency of >or=3 Hz, and occupies a solid visual angle of >or=0.006 steradians (approximately 10% of the central visual field or 25% of screen area at typical viewing distances). A transition to or from saturated red also is considered a risk. A pattern with the potential for provoking seizures contains clearly discernible stripes, numbering more than five light-dark pairs of stripes in any orientation. When the light-dark stripes of any pattern collectively subtend at the eye from the minimal-expected viewing distance a solid angle of >0.006 steradians, the luminance of the lightest stripe is >50 cd/m2, and the pattern is presented for >or=0.5 s, then the pattern should display no more than five light-dark pairs of stripes, if the stripes change direction, oscillate, flash, or reverse in contrast; if the pattern is unchanging or smoothly drifting in one direction, no more than eight stripes. These principles are easier to apply in the case of fixed media, for example, a prerecorded TV show, which can be analyzed frame-by-frame, as compared with interactive media.

Conclusions: A consensus view of stimuli likely to provoke visually evoked seizures can be developed.

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