What types of seizures are most commonly associated with photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity is a genetic trait and is most often associated with Primary Generalized Epilepsy (PGE), which is also a genetically inherited condition. Certain forms of PGE are more likely to carry the trait of photosensitivity than others. The most frequent association is with a particular syndrome of PGE called Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). As a result, the seizures triggered by photic stimulation consist most frequently of generalized manifestations such as body jerks (myoclonic seizures) or generalized tonic clonic convulsions (grand mal seizures). Both these types of seizures are commonly seen in Generalized Epilepsy. The myoclonic jerks often precede the grand mals and are a useful signal to alert the subject that a major seizure may be imminent. Individuals who are aware of their vulnerability will instinctively try to shield themselves from light stimulation as soon as they perceive involuntary muscle jerks and this maneuver may succeed in aborting the full attack. What
