Pattern-sensitive patients with epilepsy use uncomfortable visual stimuli to self-induce seizures

Abstract Sensory stimuli can induce seizures in patients with epilepsy and predisposed subjects. Visual are the most common triggers, provoking through an abnormal response to light or pattern. Sensitive may intentionally provoke their visual stimuli. Self-induction methods widely described photo-sensitive patients, while there only a few reports of those who pattern-sensitive. We analyzed 73 images environmental triggers collected from 14 pattern-sensitive self-induced seizures. The were categorized according topics: 29 Objects (43%); 19 Patterns (28%); 15 External scenes (22%); 4 TV computer screens (6%). Six photos poor quality excluded analysis. Images by algorithm that calculated degree which Fourier amplitude spectrum differed nature. has been shown predict discomfort healthy observers. identified thirty-one (46%) as "uncomfortable". There significant differences between groups (ANOVA p = .0036; Chi2 < .0279), higher values difference nature classified "Objects" (mean 6,81E+11; SD 6,72E+11; n.17, 59%) "Pattern" 9,05E+11; 6,86E+11; n.14, 74%). During semi-structured face-to-face interviews, all ‘uncomfortable'; appearance enjoyable epileptic symptoms (especially multi-colored hallucinations) transformed uncomfortable into pleasant Patients considered self-induction simplest effective way overcome stressful situations, suggesting self-inducing often use trigger Among reasons for behavior, accidental discovery pleasurable related these "uncomfortable" should be considered.