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Can computer games cause epilepsy?

The key point here is that the current research shows that video games don’t cause epilepsy but can trigger a seizure in the extremely small number of people, who already have Photosensitive Epilepsy. This is similar to how their condition could be triggered by watching television, disco lights, or light flickering through trees.

The Consumer Safety Unit of the governmental department formally known as the Department of Trade and Industry, together with the National Epilepsy Society, has carried out exhaustive study into this area, which found that epilepsy cannot be caused by playing computer games.

The report has shown that an extremely small number of people, who already have Photosensitive Epilepsy, might discover their condition by playing games, just as they could discover it by watching television, from disco lights, or light flickering through trees.

If you experience symptoms such as light-headedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness it is recommended that you immediately stop playing and consult a doctor.

Parents should watch for or ask their children about the above symptoms. Children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience these seizures.

To reduce the risk of Photosensitive Epileptic seizures you can consult your doctor prior to playing video games if there is a history of Photosensitive Epilepsy in your family. Sitting farther from the television screen and playing in a well-lit room is also advisable as it to avoid playing when you feel drowsy or fatigued.