Do Colors Trigger Epileptic Discharges and Cause Seizures?

Sensitivity to colors and white light overlaps but is not equivalent.

Stroboscopic white-light intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) at 10 to 30 Hz can trigger photoparoxysmal responses (PPR) on the EEGs of predisposed individuals and may lead to visually induced epileptic seizures (Epilepsia 2005; 46:1423). In this article, the authors explore the specific contributions of colors to this phenomenon, describe new technology for chromatic testing, and discuss preventive strategies.

Forty-three consecutive patients with known photosensitive seizures and positive PPR to stroboscopic lights were tested with a new stimulator specifically designed to deliver flashes in primary colors. Researchers analyzed responses to different flash frequencies and variable depths of color modulation at constant luminosity, using s…

Reviewing Author

Giuseppe Erba, MD