Photosensitivity in Various Disease States

Photosensitivity or “visual sensitivity” is in the literature used in different ways: (1) the focal or generalized epileptiform EEG reaction to Intermittent Photic Stimulation (IPS) or other visual stimuli, so called photoparoxysmal response or PPR; (2) visual stimuli that provoke seizures in everyday life, such as flickering sunlight, TV, videogames or striped patterns; and (3) sensitivity to lights in terms of ocular discomfort or photophobia. The variability in photic driving as physiological visual evoked responses has intrigued scientists since the use of IPS in EEG clinical research and gave insight into pathophysiological mechanisms. In this chapter we will discuss the available literature data, concerning the detection of just PPR and/or photosensitive seizures, in pathologies other than epilepsy, such as headache, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, brain tumor, panic disorders, depression and mania, Alzheimer Disease, post-traumatic conditions, and Parkinson. If relevant for the respective diseases, photic driving results are included.