Generalized or focal photosensitive epilepsies

Photosensitivity is defined by a pattern of occipital or more diffuse spike s and waves. Several techniques are needed for exploration: intermittent li ght stimulation (ILS), patterns, TV-screen, video games. Photosensitivity i s a genetic characteristic. Only diffuse spikes and waves induced by ILS ar e correlated with epilepsy. Pure photogenic epilepsy is characterized by se izures induced by visual stimuli lone, usually by TV-screen. Video games ma y also have a triggering effect due to the slow-moving patterns or intense brightness. Several epileptic syndromes are associated with photosensitivit y with or without visually-induced seizures. These syndromes are most often generalized and idiopathic.