Photosensitive Occipital Lobe Epilepsy (POLE)
What is photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy (POLE)?
Photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy is a very rare condition with an estimated occurrence in 0.7% of childhood epilepsies. This syndrome was formerly known as idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy.
POLE is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents between ages 4-17. Females are more often affected than males and a family history of the condition is seen in a third of patients.
What types of seizures are seen?
In photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy, seizures are triggered by light sources like televisions and video games. Seizures are brief and include visual sensations. Some seizures begin as focal aware seizures and include head and eye movements. Rarely, seizures generalize into tonic clonic seizures.
Learn More
Light as a Seizure TriggerHow is POLE diagnosed?
POLE is diagnosed using MRI and EEG testing. Doctors will ask for a detailed medical history from the patient MRI is used to rule out any structural cause for seizures. EEGs will show a normal background but have characteristic occipital spike wave activity. When diagnosing POLE, young children may be asked to describe or draw what they see including lights, spots, and blurred vision.
Learn More
Diagnosing EpilepsyHow is POLE treated?
Medication
Commonly used anti-seizure medications like the following:
- Valproic acid
- Levetiracetam
- Topiramate
- Zonisamide
- Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines.
Other Treatments
Doctors will also recommend avoiding seizure triggers like certain video games and sleep deprivation. This can help with seizure control and management.
Learn More
Find Your Local Epilepsy FoundationWhat is the outlook?
The outlook for people diagnosed with POLE varies. Some patients will have only a few seizures while others will have more frequent light-induced seizures.
Learn More
Donate to Support Our MissionResources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Resources
Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.
Related Stories
Press Releases
Joyce A. Cramer to Receive Lifetime Accelerator Award for Transformative Contributions to Clinical Research and Epilepsy Innovation
Read Story
