User:Mr. Ibrahem/Reflex seizure

Reflex seizures are seizures that are consistently triggered by a specific stimulus, unlike most seizures which are unprovoked. The seizures may be of any type including focal, generalized, myoclonic, or absence. Epilepsy syndromes characterized by repeated reflex seizures, without unprovoked seizures, are known as reflex epilepsies.

The trigger in 75% of cases are visual patterns, such as from television, resulting in photosensitive seizures. Other triggers may include music, specific thought patterns, or reading. It does not include seizures related to alcohol or a fever. Many cases have a genetic component and may be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The underlying mechanism involves the stimulation of networks of neurons by the trigger. Seizures trigger by light often begin in the occipital lobe, while music related seizures often begin in the temporal lobe.

Treatment generally involves decreasing exposure to a person's triggers, and if this is not effective anti-epileptic medications. About 25% of people with vision related seizures have them resolve by the age of 30. Outcomes in other types may be more variable. Reflex epilepsy affects about 1 in 4,000 people, making up approximately 5% of epilepsy cases. The condition has been described since ancient times.