Definition

Noun: A specific type of reflex epilepsy where seizures are triggered by exposure to a flickering or flashing light. This condition is a form of photosensitive epilepsy.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a neurological condition. It is primarily used in clinical, diagnostic, and academic contexts. - The term is used to classify and discuss a specific trigger for epileptic seizures. - It describes a patient's condition when their seizures are consistently provoked by visual stimuli like strobe lights, certain video games, or sunlight filtering through trees.

Examples

• The neurologist diagnosed the patient with photogenic epilepsy after an EEG showed abnormal brain activity in response to photic stimulation.
• Individuals with photogenic epilepsy are often advised to avoid environments with strobe lighting or rapidly changing visual patterns on screens.
• Research into photogenic epilepsy helps develop better safety guidelines for media content to prevent seizures in susceptible viewers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often discussed in relation to photosensitivity warnings on video games, television broadcasts, and live events.
• In genetics, studies may investigate the hereditary factors associated with photogenic epilepsy.

Variants and Related Words

• Photosensitive Epilepsy: A broader term often used synonymously with photogenic epilepsy, referring to seizures triggered by visual patterns or lights.
• Reflex Epilepsy: The general category of epilepsies where seizures are consistently provoked by specific external stimuli, of which photogenic epilepsy is a subtype.
• Photic Stimulation: The diagnostic procedure using flashing lights to test for photogenic epilepsy during an EEG.

Synonyms

• Photosensitive Epilepsy (the most common near-synonym)
• Light-induced Epilepsy

Related Phrases

• Photic-induced seizure: A phrase describing the seizure event itself, rather than the chronic condition.
• Pattern-sensitive epilepsy: A related condition where seizures are triggered by specific geometric patterns, often overlapping with photogenic epilepsy.

Noun

1. reflex epilepsy induced by a flickering light