Epilepsy and strobe lights

[kathymc]

Sorry if this sounds strange but I think that some epileptics can have seizures with strobe lights or fireworks. I am assuming then they should not do Fantasmic, but the question I have is does anyone know if Cirque de Soliel (sp?) has anything that they should be concerned with? Thanks for any and all info.

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[teri]

here is a link to search results on the keyword Seizure... Seizure search

There are some flashing lights and I believe some strobes at Cirque, but I amnot sure if there is a warning for that one.

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[Judy from Boise]

I have always been surprised that Disney didn't add use of strobe lights into the queue warnings, since there are so many...and in places you wouldn't expect.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think they don't mention the strobe lights because, according to information I have read from the Epilepsy Foundation, really not that many people react to strobe lights and most who do, only react to a really rapid sequence of strobe lights that are used in the doctor's office. Before doing the test, the person is usually deprived of sleep, because sleep deprivation makes seizures more likely.
I did an internet search and was not able to find anything connecting seizures with fireworks. We did have one poster who felt his seizures were triggered by the fireworks.
Tiredness and dehydration are known seizure triggers for almost everyone with seizures, so try to avoid becoming overtried and drink lots of liquids while at WDW.

 

[xplor]

On that same line- is epilepsy something that I should look into getting a guest assistance pass for? My husband and my 2yo and 3yo are all 3 epileptic. We are going in November, but I know last year at that time it was still in the 80's, and heat and fatique can trigger seizures.

 

[SueM in MN]

You probably won't have much trouble in November. We went in mid September and the lines were very short. With using fast pass, you can avoid waiting in the sun and heat a great deal. You can always go to Guest Services and request one if it seems to be a problem. you don't have to get one your first day if you don't seem to need it.
We also try to watch the weather and use that to help plan what days we go where. We would plan Epcot for a warm day, for example, since you can go into the buildings at Future World and spend hours inside. AK is a good park for a cooler day. Make them all carry water and try to get sleep (it's usually lack of sleep, not really fatigue that's the problem).

 

[EpcotMom]

and he loves Fantasmic! Strobe lights do not bother him, and rapidly blinking lights never did. He has Lennox-Gastaut seizures, the hardest to control. So..Go, enjoy..and have fun! Just remember to keep the person well hydrated, as dehydration will cause them to cross the seizure threshold, and begin seizuring. If the person DOES happen to have a seizure, give them a sweet drink, seizures cause blood sugar to drop quickly. Hope this helps!