Seizure triggered by flicker electroretinogram in a patient with no history of epilepsy

Abstract: Purpose

It is well known that repetitive flash stimulation may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. Nevertheless, reports of such incidents occurring during recording of a flash electroretinogram (ERG) are extremely rare. Here, we describe the case of a photic-induced seizure triggered during an ERG recording in the absence of a history of epilepsy or other paroxysmal events.

Methods

A 14-year-old male patient presented with reduced visual acuity and impaired mesopic vision. Ophthalmological exams confirmed the patient’s complaints but were inconclusive as to the underlying pathophysiology. An ERG recording was performed, during which the 30-Hz flicker stimulus triggered a seizure.

Results

The ERG was essentially normal, with the exception of a 7-Hz rhythm superimposed onto the flicker ERG response that was recorded when the seizure developed.

Conclusions

The present case highlights the possibility that the 30-Hz ERG flash stimulus triggers a seizure in patients with no previous paroxysmal events. Literature evidence suggests that the likelihood of such an incident could be reduced by stimulating monocularly

Location
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
Extent
Online-Ressource
Language
Englisch
Notes
Documenta ophthalmologica. - 142 (2021) , 389–393, ISSN: 1573-2622

Event
Veröffentlichung
(where)
Freiburg
(who)
Universität
(when)
2021
Creator

DOI
10.1007/s10633-020-09813-9
URN
urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1750592
Rights
Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
Last update
15.08.2025, 7:37 AM CEST

Data provider

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Associated

Time of origin

  • 2021

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