Epidemiology of Photosensitivity: Gender Comparisons

Abstract

Photosensitivity in the form of a photoparoxysmal response on EEG is seen in both the normal population and in individuals with epilepsy. This response is seen more commonly in a variety of epilepsies (predominantly generalized), may be age-related, and is identified overall more frequently in females. The photoparoxysmal response may have an underlying genetic influence and may also be influenced by hormonal and other factors. This chapter reviews the data on gender differences of photosensitivity in the normal population, in relatives of probands with photosensitivity, and in the epilepsies.