Report: Fireworks Might Cause Seizures in those Sensitive to Light

In a new report from the University of Rochester, a faculty physician discusses the possibility of fireworks sparking seizures in individuals that are sensitive to light.

In the press release, Giuseppe Erba, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital, emphasized that, although there are no clear documented cases of firework-induced seizures, there are some individuals that are born with a particular sensitivity to flashing lights (photosensitivity) that could put them at risk for having a seizure during a fireworks show.

Dr. Erba has been credited with leading an international committee under the auspices of the Epilepsy Foundation to set standards for the video gaming industry to impede seizures among gamers. He recently explained how animation used to publicize the 2012 Olympic games in London can lead to seizures.

According to Science Daily, in December of 1997, at exactly 6:50 PM, 685 people, the majority of them children, all suffered epileptic seizures simultaneously. It was subsequently determined that the Pokemon cartoon had been responsible for the unfortunate event. The investigations that followed indicated that many of the children who suffered the attacks had a history of epilepsy and were especially sensitive to changing light patterns.

One positive consequence of this event, was that epilepsy patients that are photosensitive are now instructed to exercise caution with triggers such as flickering (strobe) lights and television/videogame programs that contain contrasting visual patterns such as stripes, grids and checkerboards.

Abrupt chaotic changes in light or high speed alternating visual contrasting patterns can induce nerve cells to discharge electrical impulses at a very high rate. Most individuals are able to handle this excess of information that floods the brain, but in some who are sensitive, a threshold is reached leading to an electrical over-stimulation of the brain that may precipitate a seizure.

People who are at risk include all individuals with epilepsy and their relatives that have been specifically diagnosed with having photosensitivity. Ostensibly, this condition tends to run in families. According to Dr. Erba, about 3 to 5% of people with epilepsy are photosensitive. Many who do not think they are sensitive to light, may have not yet been exposed to a strong enough stimulus to have evoked a seizure and therefore may likely still be at risk.

Dr. Erba's Advice

If you believe that you are an individual who is at high risk for developing seizures and that you may be susceptible to a firework-induce seizure, Dr. Erba offers the following advice:

During the final barrage of fireworks, cover one eye. This will reduce the visual input that floods the brain and will be sufficient to prevent a seizure in a photosensitive individual without having to miss the grand finale.

Keep a safe distance from the actual fireworks display. The rule of thumb, according to Dr. Erba, is that people who are photosensitive to light should keep bright flickering lights (like fireworks) to less than half of what their eyes see at any moment.

Get enough sleep before the event. There is a correlation between fatigue and sleep deprivation and susceptibility to seizures.

Epilepsy patients should make certain that they have taken all of their regular medications before observing the fireworks show. In particular, Depakote (divalproex sodium) which is known to reduce photosensitivity in patients with epilepsy.

If you are a seizure patient who has been diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), exercise extra precaution since JME patients are the most likely epilepsy patients to suffer from photosensitivity.

If you feel your body starting to jerk while watching fireworks, cover your eyes immediately. As opposed to the majority of seizures, attacks that are due to photosensitivity can be aborted after they have begun if one suspends the visual input within the firs few seconds.

In the University's press release Dr. Erba state that "the message certainly is not to discourage people from watching fireworks and enjoying the displays, but people at risk should take proper precautions. Children are much more photosensitive, so parents of children in families who have relatives that have had seizures or epilepsy should be extra vigilant."

Professor Erba is a member of the Epilepsy Foundation's professional advisory board.

Sources: University of Rochester Press Room: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/pr/news/story.cfm?id=1581

Epilepsy Foundation: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/photosensitivity20060306.cfm

Science Daily: http://web.archive.org/web/20041108175456/http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/06/990601080722.htm