Photosensitive epilepsy

Five photosensitive epilepsy patients were reported, and the mechanism of the photic stimulation effects was discussed too. All cases were examined by neurological procedure before EEG recording. Only one showed a Chaddock’s sign, while the remaining revealed negative finding.According to the EEG findings and clinical menifestations after rhythmic photic stimulation. The clinical features may be divided into three groups: 1. Subclinical seizures: Only abnormal EEG was shown without any clinical attack; 2. Photo-convulsive response: An abnormal discharge EEG pattern with convulsive seizures appears during photic stimulation; 3. Seizure: Accompanying clinical myoclonus and grand mal attack, seizure waves were seem on the records.All cases, no matter with or without abnormal EEG and/or clinical sign, showed evidence of effectiveness of the photic stimulation. This method of induction is helpful to the diagnosis in patients with different symptoms, such as headache, epilepsy, etc., and is a safe, econmical and easily applicable technique.