Book excerpt: Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition in which convulsions are precipitated by visual stimuli. The authors have spent almost 30 years studying this condition and have assembled the largest cohort of patients ever studied by one centre. Their previous book on the subject (1975) became the standard text on this condition. This book reviews the earlier studies, reviews all the literature on this condition in humans and details the many studies that have since been carried out, including studies on drug therapy, the long term prognosis for the condition, pattern sensitivity, video game epilepsy, and convulsions precipitated by other video material. In addition there is advice on procedures to reduce the risk of stimulation from television as well as such factors as the genetics of photosensitivity. This is the most comprehensive text available.