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In light of news that Cyberpunk 2077 recreates an EEG (a medical procedure to test for epilepsy and brain disorders) without warning, here's some info re: seizures you need to know. Even if you've never had a seizure before, EEGs are meant to trigger them; be careful.
Seizures are broken into two categories: generalized and focal (or partial) seizures. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and are what most people think of when they imagine a seizure. Focal seizures affect one area of the brain but sometimes become generalized.
Generalized seizures also have two types: absence and tonic-clonic (formerly known as petit mal and grand mal).
During absence seizures, a person usually stops talking suddenly, stares into space, moves their mouth, blinks rapidly, and/or repeatedly move a hand or limb.
During absence seizures, a person usually stops talking suddenly, stares into space, moves their mouth, blinks rapidly, and/or repeatedly move a hand or limb.
If someone is having an absence seizure, you can help by making sure they're not in immediate harm. If they're holding something sharp like a fork, carefully try to remove it. Give them space. Stay with them. They're often confused or dazed after and it takes time to recover.
Tonic-clonic seizures are what's often shown in media: a person falls, moves uncontrollably, and vocalizes. These can be scary to see but you CAN and SHOULD help. Keep their head protected, turn them onto their side, don't hold them down, and DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH.
After ANY seizure, a person is usually confused and tired. Tonic-clonic seizures are especially exhausting. Make sure you stay with them until they recover. They might be able to speak but they're usually not aware of what's happening. Tell them what happened and be reassuring.
Always time a seizure. It's normal for it to last about 1-2 minutes but if it's longer than 5 OR someone has more than 2 seizures in rapid succession, ALWAYS call 911. The person may be experiencing status epilepticus, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
If someone's having a seizure and you don't know them, you can help by checking to see if they have a medical bracelet or necklace. These pieces of jewelry list medical conditions, medications, contacts, and other info you can use to help someone or give to paramedics on site.
Seizures can be stressful or scary to watch but they're obviously harder for those who experience them. The best thing you can do is to stay calm, provide help and first aid as necessary, be honest and reassuring, and get educated. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/first-aid.htm
If you DO plan on playing Cyberpunk 2077, I urge you to be careful. The EEG sequence and the game's lighting have caused problems for people with all kinds of conditions, from migraines to seizures. 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure of some kind in their lifetime.
What's most insidious about using a series of flashing lights that is almost identical to an actual medical test is that it's MEANT to trigger seizures in people, especially those who've never had them. It's a diagnostic tool. Using it in a game with no warning is disgusting.
Get educated on epilepsy if you aren't already. Consider these resources:
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html
- Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Epilepsy-Information-Page
Be safe and be well.
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html
- Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Epilepsy-Information-Page
Be safe and be well.
