Symptom 8: The Phantom Threat: Unexplained Photosensitivity
Imagine the mere act of stepping into sunlight or watching a flickering candle becoming a dangerous trigger. Welcome to the unpredictable world of photosensitivity in Dravet Syndrome.
Photosensitivity, an abnormal response to visual stimuli such as flashing lights or certain patterns, often feels like walking through a minefield of unknown triggers. It’s like being an unwitting player in a game where the rules are ever-changing, and the dice are loaded against you.
But it’s not just bright or flickering lights that pose a risk. Even mundane activities like watching television or scrolling on a computer screen can initiate a seizure. It’s as though these children are wading through a world filled with hidden traps, each ready to spring at the slightest provocation.
This phantom symptom doesn’t just pose a physical threat; it also impacts a child’s social interactions and emotional well-being. From missing out on trips to the cinema to avoiding certain video games, it often feels like they are spectators to their own lives.
But within this intricate labyrinth of potential triggers, there’s a display of incredible resilience. These children adapt, learn, and grow, mastering the art of living with the unpredictability of photosensitivity. Thus, this symptom doesn’t just tell a tale of challenges; it also narrates a story of courage and perseverance. (8)
