Why fireworks and epilepsy can be a dangerous combination

Publication date: September 2006.
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Spectacular fireworks displays bring pleasure to thousands but they can be very bad news for people with epilepsy especially those with a predisposition towards photosensitivity. The finale of most displays consists of multiple explosions producing bright flashes that flicker rapidly like a powerful strobe against the night sky. These dramatic visual images can trigger seizures and people with epilepsy who are photosensitive should make sure they have taken their medication fully in the preceding 12 hours and should not attend a fireworks display alone. Children are at greater risk than adults. This is because the genetic predisposition towards photosensitivity is most prevalent in the young age group. For more information on this and other developments in epilepsy visit www.epilepsy.com