A new study, published in medical
journal Seizure, found a ‘novel case of photosensitivity’ occurred when taking
selfies.
journal Seizure, found a ‘novel case of photosensitivity’ occurred when taking
selfies.
Photosensitivity occurs in a small
number of those with epilepsy, and can cause them to have seizures when exposed
to flashing, flickering, or shimmering lights.
number of those with epilepsy, and can cause them to have seizures when exposed
to flashing, flickering, or shimmering lights.
Seizures can also be triggered by
particular screen resolutions on TVs or computers.
particular screen resolutions on TVs or computers.
The discovery occurred during a
three-day EEG trial involving a teenage girl.
three-day EEG trial involving a teenage girl.
Researchers noticed that “bursts of
activity” on the brain monitor occurred when the girl took selfies – activity
that is normally associated with an epileptic seizure.
activity” on the brain monitor occurred when the girl took selfies – activity
that is normally associated with an epileptic seizure.
Researchers have narrowed the
phenomenon down to two potential causes – the flashing light of a phone camera,
or the pulsing LED light designed to get rid of red eye.
phenomenon down to two potential causes – the flashing light of a phone camera,
or the pulsing LED light designed to get rid of red eye.
“There’s a lot of data already about
selfies being potentially dangerous in some circumstances because people don’t
think,” said Dr. Paula Brna, lead author of the study.
selfies being potentially dangerous in some circumstances because people don’t
think,” said Dr. Paula Brna, lead author of the study.
The study only involved one patient,
though; and more work will have to be conducted in order to see if it has wider
relevance
though; and more work will have to be conducted in order to see if it has wider
relevance
