Photic stimulation: standardization of screening methods.
OBJECTIVE
Differences in methodology of intermittent photic stimulation within and between countries in Europe make collaborative research and interpretation of results difficult.


METHODS
Experts in the field of photic stimulation from European countries have given an overview of methods used in routine photic stimulation. A consensus meeting was organized in May 1996 in the Netherlands.


RESULTS
Methodology, including specification of a photo stimulator, procedure of photic stimulation, and interpretation of EEG results, has been defined according to available scientific and clinical knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
Consensus was reached in setting up a safe, quick, simple and reliable method to determine whether or not patients are photosensitive. A specification of an international standard for intermittent photic stimulation in the routine EEG examination is given with the purpose of improving patient care and facilitating collaborative research.
Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité
D G
DG
Instituut voor Epilepsiebestrijding, Heemstede, The Netherlands. bowo@sein.nl
Binnie
C D
CD
Harding
G F
GF
Wilkins
A
A
D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects; D009426:Netherlands; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results