[Photogenic epilepsy].
BACKGROUND
The commonest reflex seizures are those induced by visual stimuli, and amongst these, those provoked by intermittent luminous stimulus.


METHODS
A directed anamnesis and suitable intermittent light stimulation are important during electroencephalographic studies for the confirmation of the diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy. The photogenic epilepsies, that is those in which all the epileptic seizures are provoked by visual stimuli, form a small group of epilepsies within the idiopathic generalized epilepsies with their onset during adolescence. These seizures have had great social impact, since media diffusion of the possibility of their appearance whilst watching television or playing video games.


CONCLUSIONS
The correct diagnosis and preventive measures, together with the correct anti-epileptic treatment are in favour of a good prognosis in the great majority of patients.
Salas-Puig
J
J
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital General de Asturias, Oviedo, España. jsalasp@meditex.es
Parra
J
J
Fernández-Torre
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D020795:Photophobia / Q000150:complications*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid