In addition, the pattern needed to be slowly moved from side to side across the visual field. The pattern did not elicit the seizures when held stationary, nor did other patterns, not even the same hound's-tooth pattern in black and white. More complex visual stimuli, such as seeing particular objects, also may be a cause of reflex seizures. Television and electronic screen games have been well-publicized causes of reflex seizures, particularly the recent mass occurrence of seizures resulting from an animated cartoon program in Japan. Epileptogenicity of such stimuli may relate to flicker frequency of the screen and distance from the viewing screen, as well as the particular visual images.
Photosensitivity is the likely factor underlying epileptogenicity of electronic games.
Many patients who experience their first seizure while playing electronic screen games are found to be photosensitive. Somatosensory stimuli, including light touch, tapping, or immersion in hot water, have been reported to be associated with reflex seizures. Seizures evoked by touch may occur as part of another condition of infancy or childhood, referred to as startle epilepsy or reflex myoclonic epilepsy. These also are primary generalized seizures. Less commonly, partial-onset seizures evoked by touch may occur, referable to a seizure focus in the sensorimotor cortex.