Strobe Lights

Strobe lights are a fun addition to any party. They add a sense of disorientation that for most people can be exciting, even if mildly disorienting. Haunted houses often use strobe lights to create certain visual effects that allow the workers to sneak up and surprise visitors, giving them a thrill for their money. For some people, however, strobe lights can be a serious health danger. Individuals with photosensitive epilepsy could experience a strong physical reaction to the rapidly flashing light.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes some people to experience sudden, unanticipated seizures. Those who are photosensitive can have their seizures triggered by flashing lights, rapidly moving patterns, or other visual stimuli. The more rapid the flashing is, the more likely it is to induce a seizure in photosensitive individuals. People with this specific form of epilepsy may have a seizure triggered by flashing emergency lights, rapid action sequences, kaleidoscopic effects, or strobe lights, to name a few.

People who throw a party or organize any kind of event at which a strobe light is present should warn visitors or the audience that flashing light effects will be used. If possible, restrict use to a low flash frequency. According to the British Health and Safety Executive, a frequency of 5 flashes per second puts only 5% of photosensitive epileptics at risk of a seizure. These are the individuals that are most sensitive to flashing light and may want to avoid strobe lights and flashing lights altogether.

Contact Us

Events and venues that use strobe lights and other flashing patterns should inform individuals that photosensitive epileptics may be at risk. If you have experienced a seizure from strobe lights at a club, theater, on TV, or other locale, please contact experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell today at 877-948-4842.