Strobe Lights and Seizures

Strobe lights are frequently found at housebe affected be rapidly flashing lights. Lower
parties, clubs, skating rinks, and otherfrequencies of flashing are less likely to induce a
entertainment venues. They are used to create aseizure and are therefore safer for most
feeling of slight disorientation that is intended toindividuals. The British Health and Safety Executive
enhance a dance floor or other facility to make itclaims that a frequency of five flashes per
more fun and exciting. For some people,second is safe for about 95% of photosensitive
disorientation is extremely uncomfortable and canepileptics, leaving only 5% at risk. Some epileptic
induce a feeling of vertigo or nausea. For others,individuals, particularly children, never know that
particularly individuals with epilepsy, strobe lightsthey are photosensitive until they have a strong
can actually induce a seizure and put the epilepticreaction and experience a seizure.
individual in danger.If you feel uncomfortable around strobe lights,
The Basics of Epilepsy and Photosensitivityconsider turning away and leaving the room or at
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causesleast situating yourself further from the light
some people to have uncontrolled and unexpectedsource. Events and venues that plan to use
seizures. For some people, these seizures can bestrobe lights should post signs and warn visitors
triggered by visual stimuli. This is known asthat they will be in use. Taking these precautions
photosensitive epilepsy. A photosensitive epilepticcan help to minimize the risk of a medical
may have a negative response to flashing lights,emergency.
kaleidoscopic effects, moving patterns, or evenFor More Information
static patterns that repeat, such as striped orIf you or someone you know has experienced a
checkered patterns. Emergency lights, strobeseizure or other negative effects because of
lights, fast action sequences, and other visualunexpected strobe light use in a club, concert,
effects can induce a seizure for photosensitivetheater, or other locale, you may be entitled to
epileptics.compensation for injuries and damages. To learn
Reducing the Riskmore about strobe lights, epilepsy, and accident
Each individual's level of photosensitivity varies.liability, please visit the website of experienced
Some individuals may be extremely sensitiveAustin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell, P.C.
even with static patterns, while others may onlytoday.