sunlight exposure and seizures
- Thread starter tulip12
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Yes. This is a copy of a post from my "Environmental Contributors to Epilepsy" thread.
The science of photogenic seizures was something I wanted to learn about, so I thought I would write some of what I learned here since many people have seizures which are triggered by light. Virtually all of this, sometimes verbatim, is taken from "The Stuff of Life: Profiles of the Molecules that Make Us Tick, written by Eric P. Widmaier, PH.D.
Light travels in waves of energy called photons. When a photon of light strikes the retina at the back of the eye, it triggers an electrical event in special light-sensitive cells called rods and cones (named for their characteristic shapes). The link between the capture of a photon on a rod or cone is purely a biochemical one.
The energy from the photons (since photons are not molecular) excites a molecule called 11-cis-retinal, which sits in close proximity to the opsin, a retinal protein that is sensitive to light.
A quick chain of biochemical events follows that ultimately causes electrical signals (movement of ions) to travel through the optic nerves and into the back of the brain, to a region known as the occipital lobe. It is in the occipital lobe that the brain interprets what is seen.
It is the hypersensitivity to these electrical signals in the neural pathway that lead to photogenic or photosensitive seizures. (Mine).
The science of photogenic seizures was something I wanted to learn about, so I thought I would write some of what I learned here since many people have seizures which are triggered by light. Virtually all of this, sometimes verbatim, is taken from "The Stuff of Life: Profiles of the Molecules that Make Us Tick, written by Eric P. Widmaier, PH.D.
Light travels in waves of energy called photons. When a photon of light strikes the retina at the back of the eye, it triggers an electrical event in special light-sensitive cells called rods and cones (named for their characteristic shapes). The link between the capture of a photon on a rod or cone is purely a biochemical one.
The energy from the photons (since photons are not molecular) excites a molecule called 11-cis-retinal, which sits in close proximity to the opsin, a retinal protein that is sensitive to light.
A quick chain of biochemical events follows that ultimately causes electrical signals (movement of ions) to travel through the optic nerves and into the back of the brain, to a region known as the occipital lobe. It is in the occipital lobe that the brain interprets what is seen.
It is the hypersensitivity to these electrical signals in the neural pathway that lead to photogenic or photosensitive seizures. (Mine).
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Flickering sunlight thru trees or shimmering light off water can bring on seizures in some. Try polarized glasses to avoid these type of seizures.
From http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/photosensitivity-and-seizures
Best to speak with your dr.
Ruth
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Welcome to CWE, tulip12. This forum was made by Bernard out of love for his wife Stacy. That love permeates throughout the whole forum.
I don't go out into the sunlight very much. The climate change has heated up the Earth 1 degree this year. That was on ABC News.
I don't go out into the sunlight very much. The climate change has heated up the Earth 1 degree this year. That was on ABC News.
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Hi Tulip. Here's a thread I've found on sunlight and seizures I thought you might like.
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/sunshine-seizures-3021/
All sunlight does for me is make me sneeze like crazy. Hate it.
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/sunshine-seizures-3021/
All sunlight does for me is make me sneeze like crazy. Hate it.
Pinkattitude
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I have a cool program on my computer found here for free: https://justgetflux.com/
It adjusts the brightness of my screen with the day - the idea is that it helps with sleep rhythms.
But, what I use the most is the "Alt" "PageDown" which dims the screen. Especially at night, it makes my eyes feel so much better when the room is dark and I change to something that has a mostly white screen!
My optometrist recommended tinted glasses because I'm in the beginning stage of cataracts, then a friend told me about this program. Wow! I didn't realize how much this would help my eyes relax.
But, I say all of this because I think it helps my E too. Less bright white strain on the eyes, aaaaaaaaaaahhh!
:twocents:
It adjusts the brightness of my screen with the day - the idea is that it helps with sleep rhythms.
But, what I use the most is the "Alt" "PageDown" which dims the screen. Especially at night, it makes my eyes feel so much better when the room is dark and I change to something that has a mostly white screen!
My optometrist recommended tinted glasses because I'm in the beginning stage of cataracts, then a friend told me about this program. Wow! I didn't realize how much this would help my eyes relax.
But, I say all of this because I think it helps my E too. Less bright white strain on the eyes, aaaaaaaaaaahhh!
:twocents:
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I tend to get headaches from flickering, flashing lights, particularly florescent bulbs. Never a full seizure though.
That f.lux program is great. When I remember to use it in the evening on my computer, it helps me fall asleep faster.
Hey Pink!, That grandbaby hasn't popped yet?? Your smiley is going to need a new batch of popcorn.
That f.lux program is great. When I remember to use it in the evening on my computer, it helps me fall asleep faster.
Hey Pink!, That grandbaby hasn't popped yet?? Your smiley is going to need a new batch of popcorn.