Strobe lights are frequently found at house parties, clubs, skating rinks, and other entertainment venues. They are used to create a feeling of slight disorientation that is intended to enhance a dance floor or other facility to make it more fun and exciting. For some people, disorientation is extremely uncomfortable and can induce a feeling of vertigo or nausea. For others, particularly individuals with epilepsy, strobe lights can actually induce a seizure and put the epileptic individual in danger.

The Basics of Epilepsy and Photosensitivity

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes some people to have uncontrolled and unexpected seizures. For some people, these seizures can be triggered by visual stimuli. This is known as photosensitive epilepsy. A photosensitive epileptic may have a negative response to flashing lights, kaleidoscopic effects, moving patterns, or even static patterns that repeat, such as striped or checkered patterns. Emergency lights, strobe lights, fast action sequences 
and other visual effects can induce a seizure 
for photosensitive epileptics.

Reducing the Risk

Each individual's level of photosensitivity varies. Some individuals may be extremely sensitive even with static patterns, while others may only be affected be rapidly flashing lights. Lower frequencies of flashing are less likely to induce a seizure and are therefore safer for most individuals. The British Health and Safety Executive claims that a frequency of five flashes per second is safe for about 95% of photosensitive epileptics, leaving only 5% at risk. Some epileptic individuals, particularly children, never know that they are photosensitive until they have a strong reaction 
and experience a seizure.

If you feel uncomfortable around strobe lights, consider turning away and leaving the room or at least situating yourself further from the light source. Events and venues that plan to use strobe lights should post signs and warn visitors that they will be in use. Taking these precautions can help to minimize the risk of a medical emergency. The Dj will always display two warning signs to the entrence of your venue to warn your guests that the use of strobes are in operation, 
as a matter of precaution.