Analysis of photo-pattern sensitivity in patients with Pokemon-related symptoms

This study was designed to analyze photo-pattern sensitivity in patients who developed acute neurologic symptoms associated with watching an animated television program, "Pokemon." The 18 patients (13 females and five males) underwent electroencephalograms and photo-pattern stimulation testing, including special stimulation test batteries (strobe-pattern test and cathode ray tube-pattern test). Photo-pattern sensitivity was confirmed in 16 patients with and without seizure episodes. The strobe-pattern test including a white flickering light test (with eyes open, closed, and open or closed), and the cathode ray tube-pattern test each induced a photo-paroxysmal response in more than 80% of patients. However, with the eyes closed only, as is common in Japan, the photo-paroxysmal response induction rate with a white flickering light stimulus was significantly lower (43%). In the cathode ray tube-pattern test, higher spatial frequencies produced higher rates of photo-paroxysmal response induction. It was demonstrated that underlying photopattern sensitivity is more accurately investigated by our method than by standard intermittent photic stimulation alone. By characterizing underlying photopattern sensitivity and identifying predisposing factors more precisely, we can develop better guidelines for prevention of a second "Pokemon" incident. According to the results of the present cathode ray tube-pattern test, pattern sensitivity (especially spatial resolution) appears to also be involved in Pokemon-related symptoms, in addition to chromatic sensitivity. (C) 2003 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.