Photosensitive fits elicited by TV animation: An electroencephalographic study

Background: We carried out a clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) stu dy to reveal the pathophysiology of acute symptoms elicited by a TV animati on program. Methods: Clinical data and EEG were obtained from 20 patients ranging in ag e from 6 to 30 years. A pattern presentation and an intermittent photic sti mulation were performed. Results: Of 20 patients, 13 had a convulsion and seven had other symptoms, mainly nausea and/or vomiting. A photoparoxysmal response (PPR) was confirm ed in 12 of 13 patients (92.3%) who had a convulsion. Only one of seven pat ients (14.3%) without a convulsion showed a PPR. The incidence of PPR was s ignificantly higher in patients with convulsion than those without convulsi on. There were no significant differences in the family history of convulsi on gender, parameters associated with TV watching and basic EEG between the two groups. All patients with PPR had a convulsion or consciousness distur bance. Conclusion: Acute symptoms, such as convulsion and impairment of consciousn ess, are supposed to be based on photosensitivity.