In certain epileptics, flashing or flickering lights
The arrival of 3D films like Avatar and the expected growth in 3D Television is creating concerns across the world due to the effects of 3D viewing on “triggering” an epileptic seizure.
In certain instances, the concerns may be legitimate, but in other cases it’s just making another mythological addition to epilepsy’s mystery especially for people who aren’t epilepsy sufferers.
Although the awareness of epilepsy, and what the condition is and even more importantly , what it is not is growing in our society through various education campaigns, the wrongly conceived stigmas associated with epileptics remain a problem for those who don’t suffer from epilepsy or aren’t near to anyone who has epilepsy.
If you are an epileptic, they’re generally aware that epilepsy can take numerous kinds (types) as well as seizures show in many different ways.
The most important thing to consider is whether you suffer from “Photosensitive Epilepsy”?
This is a short excerpt of Wikipedia providing information on photosensitive epilepsy. there’s more precise details available, however this should be enough to convey my point.
“In certain epileptics, flashing or flickering lights, like flashing lights, could cause the development of a involuntary, absence or myoclonic seizure. This type of condition is called photosensitive epilepsy and in some instances seizures may be caused by actions that aren’t harmful to other people like watching TV as well as playing online games as well as by driving or riding through the daytime on a route with trees spaced apart, creating what is known as the “flashing light” phenomenon. Certain people may experience seizures as a result of blinking their eyes. Contrary to popular opinion epilepsy that is this type is quite rare with only 3 percent of instances. For all other epileptics the lights do not appear to be more likely to trigger seizures than they are in an un-epileptic individual.
An essential element in the EEG test is to expose the patient to light sources that flicker to try to trigger a seizure to find out if the lights could trigger seizures within the patient, and also discern the wavelengths when the seizure is occurring”.
Therefore, in my opinion to alleviate or eliminate any worries or concerns that you be having for your self or your loved ones regarding the trigger of watching 3D Television or 3D movies it is important to check with your doctor or paediatrician on whether you or loved ones suffer from PHOTOSENSITIVE epilepsy.
There are a variety of things that cause seizures in different individuals. One that is very common is stress So, eliminate any anxiety and fear you be feeling about the consequences from 3D Television by simply consulting with your doctor or primary care provider.
Why should you deny yourself or your family members of the joy in 3D Television viewing just because of a chance?
If you don’t have epilepsy with photosensitivity, then the risk are minimal.
A lot of people who don’t have epilepsy be a little irritable or dizzy, and experience headaches and other symptoms when watching an 3D movie, because the transmission and 3D glasses play tricks on your brain and eyes If epileptics experience these feelings, it doesn’t necessarily indicate the onset of seizures.
In short In the end, the only person who can tell you whether 3D Television or movies will impact the way you feel is your doctor(s) So don’t be influenced by rumors or gossip and enjoy the experience.
If you are within the three percent of epileptics who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy , I feel for you, but consult with your physician and see if there’s an alternative to counteract the negative effects (some suggest taking a higher dose ( this is a claim that has been confirmed by your physician) of anti-convulsants before and following viewing 3D Television or 3D movies may be beneficial, however it’s just an opinion.
My daughter is the son of 23-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with epilepsy called Complex Partial Seizures ( previously called Grand Mal) at the age of six months (initially mistakenly diagnosed as febrile seizures to our surprise). I do not consider myself a medical professional but I do have “practical” experience in living with the condition, taking care of the needs of my child (who also suffers from physical and intellectual disabilities) and have been trying to stay abreast of developments in the epilepsy field such as research, medication, and awareness of social. I hope this article will be useful to you.