Do flashing lights ever cause you to have a seizure? Has the light from your computer or television screen made you feel strange or confused? Does the sunlight flickering through the trees bother you? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, there is a possibility that you have photosensitive epilepsy.

A photosensitive response occurs in only 3-5 % of individuals who are diagnosed with epilepsy. Patients with photosensitive epilepsy may have seizures or unusual feelings that are triggered by flashing or flickering of lights, and rapidly changing patterns or images (such as television or video). In order to make an accurate diagnosis, an Electroencephalogram EEG needs to be performed. During the EEG, the technician uses a special lamp that flashes light at different frequencies to look for changes in the patient’s brain waves. If the EEG pattern changes when the lights flash, that often indicates a photosensitive response.

Although many new drugs have been approved for the treatment of epilepsy in the last 20 years, we still need better treatments because many patients continue to have seizures or side effects on the currently available medicines. Epilepsy specialists are working to find new and better drugs. But they cannot do it without the help of patients. We need to find photosensitive patients – anywhere in the USA - to participate in a study where we test several new antiepileptic drugs. Eligible people will be reimbursed for time and travel.

How photosensitivity trials lead the way for new drugs

Although the number of patients affected by this type of epilepsy is relatively small, the impact of a photosensitive clinical trial can play a huge role in the drug approval process. A photosensitivity trial is a good way for companies to see very early on what dose of medication to try in larger trials. It is also a way to check early on whether there is a high likelihood that the medication will be effective in the treatment of epilepsy.

Photosensitivity studies are designed to be short in duration and only require the patient to take one dose of an investigational medication. Many researchers are using this type of study to determine whether a new drug might work for this type of photosensitive seizures.

What to expect when participating in a photosensitivity trial

The first procedure is a screening visit to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the trial and if they have a photosensitive response on EEG. The study itself is usually performed in an inpatient research unit, and lasts 3 days. During this time, subjects receive 1 dose of study drug. If a patient is currently taking antiepileptic medication, this will continue during the study.

Patients are also compensated for their time and participation in the study, and travel to the center where the study is being done is provided. All testing and examinations are performed at no cost to the patient. In addition, they are thoroughly evaluated, and if they wish, they can often get expert advice from top epilepsy doctors about their treatment.

Additional information

We will continue to search for better ways to treat patients with epilepsy and bring new drugs to the market faster. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in a photosensitivity clinical trial, please contact Bree Vogelsong at bree.vogelsong@nyumc.org or Mary Ann Brodie at maryann.brodie@nyumc.org for additional information about the trial and the Epilepsy Centers where they are being performed. This is a great opportunity for individuals to help bring new drugs to the epilepsy community.

Edited by Steven C. Schachter, MD