Epilepsy :: Epilepsy & video games

A leading British brain specialist is calling for a ban on computer games as a way to help prevent epileptic fits. Graham Harding spoke out after finding certain popular games contained light patterns which cause seizures in one in 4,000 people, the London Sun said.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes people susceptible to seizures. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.

“We need guidelines like those in broadcasting to make sure games with flashing light patterns that have the potential to cause an attack are eliminated,” he said.

Harding, head of clinical neuro-physiology at Aston University, Birmingham, claimed Nintendo Game Cube titles such as fast-selling “Mario Kart: Double Dash” contain the light patterns to which he objects.

“Video games do not cause epilepsy,” a Nintendo spokesman said. “A small percentage of the population has a pre-existing neurological tendency to have seizures triggered by flashing lights or patterns.”

Leave a Comment