Long-term, recurring seizures usually can be controlled with treatment, which often includes taking medication. About 70 percent of people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medications or surgery.
What triggers photosensitive epilepsy?
Photosensitive seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering lights . These seizures can also be triggered by certain patterns such as stripes. Photosensitive seizures can fall under several categories, including tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic and focal seizures.
Does photosensitive epilepsy go away?
There is no cure for photosensitive epilepsy . However, anti-epileptic medicines may reduce the frequency of seizures. People with photosensitive epilepsy can also reduce the likelihood of having a seizure by avoiding stimuli that could trigger a seizure.
Can sunlight trigger seizures?
Natural light , such as sunlight, especially when shimmering off water or flickering through trees or through the slats of window blinds, can also trigger seizures in some people. Stripes of contrasting colors and flashing lights on tops of buses or emergency vehicles are other triggers.
What percentage of epilepsy is photosensitive?
Around 1 in 100 people has epilepsy and of these people, around 3% have photosensitive epilepsy. This is when seizures are triggered by certain rates of flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns.
Is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
Can cell phones trigger seizures?
Too much texting and exposure to computer screens – electronic stress – can set off an epileptic attack. Factors like emotional stress, skipping meals, sleep deprivation, fatigue, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc. can also trigger seizures in persons with epilepsy.
Do police lights trigger seizures?
Some specific examples of situations or events that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy are: Nightclub and theater lights, including strobe lights. TV screens and computer monitors. Flashing lights on police cars , fire trucks, ambulances, and safety alarms.
What are the 3 types of seizures?
- Generalized onset seizures:
- Focal onset seizures:
- Unknown onset seizures:
Can flashing LED lights cause seizures?
For about 3% of people with epilepsy, exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns can trigger seizures. This condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy .
Can I drive with photosensitive epilepsy?
United States. In the U.S., people with epilepsy can drive if their seizures are controlled with medication or other treatment and they meet the licensing requirements in their state . How long they have to be free of seizures varies in different states, but it is most likely to be between six months to a year.
Is epilepsy a rare condition?
Viewed across the entire spectrum, epilepsy is not rare : It is more common than autism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined. More than 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy in the United States.
How is epilepsy most commonly treated?
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) AEDs are the most commonly used treatment for epilepsy. They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain.
Does epilepsy worsen with age?
Age: Adults over the age of 60 may experience an increased risk for epileptic seizures , as well as related complications. Family history: Epilepsy is often genetic. If you have a family member who experienced epilepsy-related complications, then your own risk may be higher.
What should epileptics avoid?
- Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
- Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
- Stress.
- Alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Flashing or flickering lights.
- Monthly periods.
- Missing meals.
- Having an illness which causes a high temperature.
What foods should epileptics avoid?
white bread ; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.
