A Chinese expert has warned that an unusual type of epilepsy,
characterized by seizures triggered by flashing or flickering
lights, is becoming more common among young people.
Photosensitive epilepsy, though uncommon, is affecting people
aged between eight and 20 in China, said Prof. Qin Jiong from
Peking University First Hospital at a meeting in Shanghai.
Qin blamed it on the numerous hours spent by young people
watching TV and playing video games. The flickering light from
monitors can trigger photosensitive epilepsy.
Statistics show that about?6 million people in China suffer
from epilepsy. Experts estimate that about 3 to 5 percent of people
with epilepsy are photosensitive.
Both artificial and natural light sources that stimulate the
eyes might be a problem for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
For example, camera flashes, strobe lights in discos and sunlight
shining off wet surfaces or through tree leaves could all trigger
seizures.
Experts said that about 30 percent of photosensitive epileptic
patients can control their seizures by taking drugs.
Prevention measures in the home and office include installing
filter screens in front of TV and computer monitors, watching TV at
a safe distance and using soft indoor light, experts said.
Experts called for an end to social discrimination against
epileptics, saying that even if epileptics suffer temporary mental
disorders they usually have normal intellectual levels.
The Ministry of Health said in June last year that more than
two-thirds of epileptic patients in rural China have not received
treatment that could allow them to lead a normal life. China plans
to expand a pilot project in 80 counties to improve the treatment
of epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and symptoms range from
minor lapses of attention to severe and prolonged convulsions and
loss of consciousness. Many cases are caused by an underlying brain
disease or injury, but children often develop the condition for no
obvious reason.
Worldwide clinical research shows that about 70 percent of
epileptics can control their seizures by taking anti-epileptic
drugs, and up to 60 percent of them can be treated in two to five
years and lead a normal life.
(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2007)