Are Video Games Causing Seizures?

By Amber Ortega on April 28th, 2009

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During a conversation with my mother, she mentions that I should make sure to limit the kids video game time to 3o minutes because doctors are finding that the flashing lights on the games are causing kids to have seizures. Being a gamer myself, I know what she means by flashing lights. Some of the games, like Pokemon in particular, have parts before a duel that causes the screen to flash for a few seconds. Some people are highly sensitive to lights and this flashing can cause a sensory ‘overload’, thus causing a seizure.

Although the percentage of people with light sensitivities is very small, it is worth having your child tested if they do spend extended periods of time playing video games. In order to test your child, please contact your Pediatrician to have an electroencephalogram (EEG) test performed. This test will test the brains reactions to various lights.

According to WebMD, the following precautions should be taken to ensure your child(ren) are not at risk.

TV Viewing

Watch TV in a well-lit room.
Reduce the screen’s brightness.
Keep as far back from the screen as possible.
Use the remote control to change channels.
Avoid watching TV for long periods of time.
Wear polarized sunglasses while viewing TV to reduce the glare.

Video Games

Sit at least 2 feet away from the screen in a well-lit room.
Reduce the screen’s brightness.
Don’t let children play video games if they are tired.
Take frequent breaks and look away from the screen every once in a while.
Cover one eye while playing and regularly change which eye is covered.
Turn the game off if strange or unusual feelings develop.

Computer Screens

Use a flicker-free monitor (LCD display or flat screen).
Use a monitor glare guard.
Wear non-glare glasses to reduce glare from the screen.
Take frequent breaks from tasks involving the computer.

Strong Environmental Lights

Cover one eye (either one) with one hand until the stimulus is over.
Closing both eyes or turning your eyes away from the stimulus will not be effective.