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  • Sponsored Q&A

    Will games on a smart phone make me have seizures?

    Related Topic
    Epilepsy & Seizures
    My mum won’t let me have games on my phone because my seizures are set off by flashing lights. When I use my friend’s phone at school, I never have seizures.
    • 1 answer
    • Epilepsy Action Australia

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    It is unlikely you will have a seizure in this situation, the risk is very small. If you want to reduce this risk, we recommend to: play the game in a well-lit room and reduce the brightness of the display if you can; avoid continuous exposure to the same pattern(s); avoid playing when you are tired. If you do find that these games make you feel like you are going to have a seizure, then stop playing and keep future exposure to the smart phone game in short bursts (have a break every 10-15 minutes).

    Apple have this warning in their manual:

    "A small percentage of people may be susceptible to blackouts or seizures (even if they have never had one before) when exposed to flashing lights or light patterns such as when playing games or watching videos. If you have experienced seizures or blackouts or have a family history of such occurrences, you should consult a physician before playing games (if available) or watching videos on your iPhone.

    Discontinue use of iPhone and consult a physician if you experience headaches, blackouts, seizures, convulsion, eye or muscle twitching, loss of awareness, involuntary movement, or disorientation. To reduce risk of headaches, blackouts, seizures, and eyestrain, avoid prolonged use, hold iPhone some distance from your eyes, use iPhone in a well-lit room, and take frequent breaks."

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