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Computer Usage & Seizures

Photosensitive epilepsy -- where flickering lights or certain virtual patterns can cause an epileptic seizure -- is a fairly rare condition, affecting one in every 4,000 people. Nevertheless, the characteristics of a computer screen and the environment in which it is used may be concerns for anyone who is photosensitive.

  1. Monitor Flickering

    • Traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors periodically refresh or repaint the screen at a certain frequency, measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz). Refresh rates below 100Hz can cause the screen to flicker and induce a seizure. Flat-screen liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors do not refresh, and present no such risk.

    Monitor Placement

    • Ideally, the environment in which a computer is used should be lit naturally, but, even so, placement of a monitor or screen is important in preventing seizures. A monitor placed facing a window will force the user to switch focus back and forth between the relatively dark monitor and the light background; the contrast in brightness may be enough to trigger a seizure.

    Video Games

    • Computer video games may feature bright, fast-moving images that can induce seizures in photosensitive individuals. Video game players should avoid playing games when tired, reduce the brightness of the screen, sit at least 2 feet from it in a well-lit room and stop playing immediately if they feel unusual in any way.

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