What's Wrong with the New Gnarls Barkley Video?

Billbord.com reported that MTV was refusing to air the latest music video from hip-hop artist Gnarls Barkley. Under normal circumstances when you read something like this you believe that the reason behind this is that the video contains too much violence or too much sex and scantily clad women in it. Unbelievably neither is the case with the "Run" music video, from their soon to be released "The Odd Couple". The reason for the ban is due to the video failing to pass the Harding Test. The Harding Test is a criterion set up to determine the photosensitivity of a person and ensures that viewers of certain images do not suffer epileptic seizures. Editing of the video has occurred and it will begin to air on Thursday, March 6, 2008.

What is Photosensitive Epilepsy?

According to the Harding FPA website, "Photosensitivity is sensitivity to flickering or intermittent light stimulation and visual patterns. It affects approximately one in four thousand people. A number of people have this sensitivity but have not yet had a seizure and therefore have not been diagnosed with the condition of photosensitive epilepsy." Things that trigger photosensitive epilepsy are not only images seen on television, but also still images. One such image recently seen was the original design for the 2012 Summer Olympics to occurring in London, England.

There are even instances where lights from emergency vehicles caused people to incur seizures. Many of these individuals were not aware that they even had the disorder.

Who Can Suffer from It?

This form of epilepsy normally begins before the age of 20 years old, but most normally occurs between the ages of seven and 19. It occurs in more females than it does in males, and possibly can pass through genes to children of those afflicted with the illness. It is also possible that the disorder affects siblings of those that have the disorder.

How is Photosensitive Epilepsy Diagnosed?

The Epilepsy Foundation states that an electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that uses sensor attached to the scalp of the patient to determine how the brain reacts to certain circumstances. In this case, using the EEG determines a person's reaction to flashing lights.

What Are the Best Ways to Avoid It?

For the television it is best to watch it in a well-lit room. Reduction of the brightness of the television will also help. One should avoid prolonged watching of the TV without breaks, not sit adjacent, and use the remote control to change the channels, so as not to be close to the set.

For video games, sit at least two feet away from the set in a well lighted room. Ban children from video game play when they are tired. Insist upon frequent breaks for players. It is also imperative that gamers not blink their eyes excessively.

For users of computer monitors, use flicker free monitors and pair that with a glare-free screen. It is also a good idea to take breaks from looking at the monitor constantly.

Following these guidelines should greatly reduce the chances of suffering seizures due to photosensitivity.

Sources:

"New Gnarls Barkley Video May Make Fans Dizzy", (http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003719238), Billboard.com
"Photosensitive Epilepsy", (http://www.hardingfpa.com/pse.html), Harding FPA.com
"Olympic Logo Triggers Record Epileptic Seizures", (http://www.hardingfpa.com/news.html), Harding FPA.com
"Photosensitivity and Seizures", (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/seizures/precipitants/photosensitivity/photosensitivity.cfm), Epilepsy Foundation.org