Reflex Epilepsy

Reflex epilepsy is the name given to seizures which are triggered by individual sensitivity to sensory stimulation in the environment.

The most common form is photosensitive epilepsy -- that is, seizures caused by exposure to intense or fluctuating levels of light. Some people have seizures triggered by flashing lights or rapidly alternating light and dark patterns. The condition usually begins in childhood and may be outgrown by adulthood.

A flickering fluorescent light, the flicker of sunlight while driving past standing trees, certain video games, or flashing strobe lights can trigger seizures in photosensitive people. The reflex response may be absence (staring) seizures, myoclonic (jerking) seizures, or generalized convulsions. Wearing polarized sunglasses with blue lenses has been cited as good protection against photosensitive reflex seizures.

While flashing or flickering light is the most common trigger for reflex epilepsy, rare triggers include certain sounds, music, tone of voice, reading, immersion in hot water, and even eating.