Gaming-Related Epilepsy Seizures

Types of Video Game-related Seizure

Although no current scientific evidence indicates that video games cause epilepsy, gaming-related seizures are common enough that United States video game manufacturers must post a warning on their products.  Anyone can be susceptible to video game-related seizures, and parents need to be particularly watchful since children and adolescents tend to play frequently and for extended periods of time.

Types of video game-related seizure

Many people think that all seizures are displayed as violent convulsions with total loss of muscle control.  In fact, parents in particular should watch for many more minor video game seizure symptoms, including these:

• Blank staring
• Rapid blinking or facial twitches
• Jerking movements of the hands or other parts of the body
• Loss of attention or even an inability to talk or respond
• Signs of confusion
• Reports of unusual or different-than-usual sights, sounds, or smells
• Complaints of seemingly minor symptoms, such as a headache, dizziness, or nausea

Causes of gaming-related seizure

Many properties of video games and the monitors or televisions on which they are run can cause seizures in certain individuals:

Ways to reduce video game-related seizure risk

Those with photosensitive epilepsy should consider avoiding video games.  Anyone with epilepsy or other seizure conditions might be able to avoid or reduce the risk of seizure by following these guidelines:

• Reduce the contrast between the screen and the room by increasing the room’s light.
• Maintain a significant distance between player and screen.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Look away from the screen at regular intervals
• Cover one eye during play, and periodically alternate between eyes.

Most important: stop playing if you notice any unusual symptoms.

For more information about gaming-related epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation contains a great deal of information about all forms of epilepsy and seizure disorders