The arrival of 3D films such as Avatar and the expected growth in 3D Television is creating concerns across the world due to the impact of 3D watching in “triggering” an epileptic seizure.
In certain cases, the concerns may be true, while in others, it’s just creating another myth in epilepsy’s mystery, especially in the minds of people who aren’t epilepsy sufferers.
Although awareness of epilepsy and the nature of the condition is and even more important, what it is NOT is increasing in the public sphere through various education campaigns, the false stigmas that surround epileptics remain a problem among those who do not suffer from epilepsy or aren’t near to anyone who has epilepsy.
If you are an epileptic, they’re generally aware that epilepsy comes in numerous kinds (types) which manifest in many different ways.
The most important thing to consider is whether you suffer from “Photosensitive Epilepsy”?
The following is an excerpt taken from Wikipedia providing information on photosensitive epilepsy. there’s more precise information on the internet, but this should be enough to convey my point.
“In certain epileptics, flashing or flickering lights, like flashing lights, could cause the beginning of a tonic absent, clonic of myoclonic seizures. This type of condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy and, in certain cases seizures can be caused by actions that aren’t harmful to other people like watching TV and playing games on video or even by riding or driving in daylight on a road with trees that are spaced, thus creating what is known as the “flashing light” effects. Certain people may experience seizures because of blinking their eyes. Contrary to what many believe epilepsy that is this type is quite rare and accounts for only 3 percent of instances. For other epileptics as well the lights do not appear to be more likely to trigger seizures than in an un-epileptic individual.
The most common element that is part of an EEG test is to expose the patient to light sources that flicker to try to trigger a seizure to find out if the lights could trigger an epileptic episode in the patient and to detect the wavelengths in case the seizure is occurring”.
Therefore, in my opinion to alleviate or eliminate any worries or concerns you might are having about yourself and your your loved ones concerning the trigger of watching 3D Television or 3D movies it is essential to consult your physician, paediatrician , or neurologist regarding whether you or loved ones suffer from PHOTOSENSITIVE epilepsy.
There are a variety of things that cause seizures in different individuals. One that is very common is stress So, eliminate any anxiety and fear you be feeling about the consequences from 3D Television by simply consulting with your doctor or primary caregiver.
Why should you deny yourself or your family members of the joy in 3D Television viewing just because of a chance?
If you do not suffer from photosensitive epilepsy , the risk are minimal.
Many epileptics will experience a slight tingling sensation dizzy, feel dizzy, have headaches, etc. when watching the 3D film, but the transmission and 3D glasses play tricks on your brain and eyes If epileptics experience these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are experiencing seizures.
In short The only person who can inform you of whether 3D Television or movies will be harmful to them is the doctor(s) Don’t believe in rumors or speculations Enjoy the experience.
If you’re in the estimated 3percent of epileptics suffering from photosensitive epilepsy , I feel for you. However, consult your doctor and see if there’s an alternative to counteract the negative effects (some claim that taking an increase in dose ( this is a claim that has been confirmed by your physician) of anti-convulsants before and following taking in 3D Television or 3D movies may be beneficial, however it’s just an opinion.
My daughter is the son of 23-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with epilepsy called Complex Partial Seizures ( previously called Grand Mal) at the age of six months (initially mistakenly diagnosed as febrile seizures to our delight). I am not a doctor but I do have “practical” experience in living with the condition, taking care of as well as fighting on behalf of my daughter (who also is physically and intellectually disabled) and have been trying to keep abreast of what’s happening in the epilepsy field including research, medication as well as social consciousness. Hope this brief article is helpful to you.