According to ABC, some moviegoers experienced seizures after watching the latest installment of Twilight. Those who had a seizure say it occurred during or after Bella Swan’s labor scene.

image source: lighthousepatriot.blogspot.com

ABC explains that “The screen flashes bright white light on the audience” during the scene, which could have had an effect on some movie goers (Bond). This signifies a type of reflex epilepsy.

“The most common form of reflex epilepsy is photosensitive epilepsy, in which flashing lights trigger seizures.” (Epilepsy Therapy Project).

Photosensitive epilepsy is most common in children from the ages of 8 to 20 years old. Some studies have shown that photosensitivity can disappear with age.

Photosensitive epilepsy can also be caused by playing videogames if one is predisposed to photosensitivity. Not many people are, and Epilepsy Therapy Project even says, “Photosensitivity occurs in only about 3% of people with epilepsy, however, so almost all children who have epilepsy should be able to play video games without ill effects.”

If you are prone to photosensitivity, try sitting farther from the tv, or if you’re in the middle of a movie and there are flashing lights, cover your eyes. Though seizures can be caused by anything giving light, such as sunlight, avoiding looking directly at the source can help.

And just because it’s a good song…Flashing Lights

By Hosna Safi