For anyone who has ever played video games, the warnings at the beginning of most games are familiar: flashing lights, rapidly changing patterns, or intense visual sequences can trigger seizures in some players. While many gamers skim past these warnings, they exist for a very real reason. For Persons With Epilepsy (PWEs), these flashing lights and fast-moving visuals are not just minor annoyances—they can be powerful triggers for seizures, sometimes even initiating a first-ever seizure.
My experience is a striking example of how video games can affect a PWE. I often share the story of how my epilepsy began in front of a gaming console. M first seizure occurred while playing Pro Evolution Soccer (Winning Eleven) in 2009, during a match between Manchester United, and Arsenal. That initial seizure, though frightening, could perhaps have remained an isolated incident—had I not returned to play again. Unfortunately, continued exposure led to two more seizures, ultimately contributing to the development of idiopathic reflex generalized epilepsy.
My story illustrates a broader truth: video games, by their very nature, can be hazardous for PWEs. Flashing lights, alternating patterns, and rapid visual sequences are among the most common triggers for reflex seizures. Hospitals and neurologists often use controlled flashing lights to induce seizures during testing, demonstrating just how potent this stimulus can be. In other words, it’s not just theoretical—this is a medically recognized phenomenon.
For PWEs, interacting with video games carries a risk that should never be underestimated. Even brief exposure can trigger a seizure in someone who is sensitive to visual stimuli. While each individual’s triggers may vary, flashing lights remain consistently dangerous. Some PWEs experience seizures only in response to visual triggers, while others may have more generalized or idiopathic forms that are aggravated by video games and other flashing lights. The risk is compounded when players spend extended periods gaming, especially in darkened rooms or at close screen distances.
The implications extend beyond personal safety. Seizures triggered by video games can be sudden and severe, leading to injuries from falls, collisions, or uncontrolled movements. Additionally, repeated exposure can strengthen the reflex pathway, potentially increasing seizure frequency over time, as my experience demonstrates. For families and caregivers, understanding the risks associated with video games is critical. Educating PWEs about safe screen practices—including limiting exposure, taking regular breaks, and using screens in well-lit environments—can reduce risk, but avoidance is often the safest approach for highly sensitive individuals.
Ultimately, the lesson is clear: while video games can be entertaining and socially engaging, they can pose a serious hazard for PWEs. Flashing lights, intense visual sequences, and prolonged exposure make gaming a potential trigger for seizures—sometimes severe enough to alter the course of one’s epilepsy journey. My story serves as a cautionary tale, but it also underscores the importance of awareness, education, and proactive management.
This issue is discussed in detail in the Epilepsy Management Guide, which you can download for free. To participate in the discussion on this topic, visit the Global Epilepsy Forum. To know more about what we do, please click HERE. We also have a donation page where those who feel compelled can give whatever they can afford by clicking HERE.
