From the Guidelines
Psychedelic videos can trigger seizures in some people due to their rapidly flashing lights, alternating patterns, or quickly changing colors that can overstimulate the brain, a phenomenon known as photosensitive epilepsy. This condition affects approximately 3% of people with epilepsy, and can be triggered by intense visual stimuli that disrupt the normal electrical activity in the brain, particularly in the visual cortex, causing neurons to fire in an abnormal, synchronized pattern that may lead to a seizure 1. Some key points to consider include:
- People with a history of epilepsy, migraines, or certain neurological conditions are at higher risk, but seizures can occasionally occur even in individuals without a prior history.
- If you experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headache, or unusual sensations while watching such content, look away immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
- To prevent these reactions, avoid videos with strobe effects, use screen filters that reduce flashing, keep rooms well-lit when viewing screens, take regular breaks from screens, and maintain adequate distance from the display.
- If you have known photosensitivity, medications like anticonvulsants may be prescribed by a neurologist to help manage your condition, as seen in the management of patients with seizure disorders who have received amantadine 1. However, it's essential to note that the provided studies 1 primarily focus on the prevention and control of influenza and the use of amantadine, which may not be directly related to the topic of psychedelic videos triggering seizures. Despite this, the general principle of avoiding overstimulation and managing photosensitive epilepsy remains a crucial consideration in preventing seizures triggered by visual stimuli.
From the Research
Psychedelic Videos and Seizures
- Psychedelic videos can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy due to their visual stimuli, which can be similar to other environmental stimuli that can trigger seizures, such as televisions, computers, and videogames 2.
- The visual stimuli in psychedelic videos can be provocative for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, and may cause seizures in susceptible persons 2.
- There is limited research on the specific effects of psychedelic videos on seizures, but studies have shown that psychedelics are safe for use in a controlled, supervised clinical setting and do not induce seizures 3.
Seizure Triggers
- Visual stimuli, such as flashing lights, patterns, and colors, can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy 2.
- Other environmental stimuli, such as television, computers, and videogames, can also trigger seizures in susceptible persons 2.
- The characteristics of artificial light and current and future developments in video displays and videogames can contribute to the risk of seizures 2.
Treatment Options
- Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate, can be effective in controlling seizures and myoclonic jerks in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy 4.
- Levetiracetam and sodium valproate have similar efficacy, but lamotrigine may not be a suitable treatment option for patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy as a mono therapy 4.
- The choice of antiepileptic drug depends on various factors, including the type of seizure, patient age, and potential side effects 5, 6.