EEG with photoparoxysmal response

What it means

EEG abnormalities (epileptiform discharges) evoked by flashing lights or black and white striped patterns.

In some patients, seizures can be provoked by specific external factors (reflex epilepsy), including flickering lights and patterns. These patients commonly show epileptiform discharges in the EEG when stimulated with flashing lights, black and white striped patterns and television. These evoked EEG abnormalities are called photoparoxysmal responses.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Photoparoxysmal response on EEG