Scientists establish animated program as cause of 1997 seizure epidemic

The hundreds of seizures caused by the December 16, 1997 episode of Pocket Monsters in Japan may be linked to a new type of epilepsy related to colour sensitivity. According to scientists, it was more than just coincidence when the flickering image of Pikachu sent 658 viewers into epileptic seizures that day.

Researchers have found that some people may suffer from what's being called "photosensitive epilepsy." The rapid shifting between bright and dark colours, like strobe effects or the rapid flickering of certain animated programs, can cause neural transmitters to fire at a much quicker pace than the body is used to. All of that additional brain activity can sometimes lead to physical reactions like convulsions or total blackouts.

After the seizure outbreak, Pocket Monsters was pulled from the airwaves but returned after all strobe effects from all episodes had been removed. The show is extremely popular in the United States and no problems with seizures have been reported.

So whether you forgive Pikachu or if you can't wait to kick the stuffing out of the evil little thing the next chance you get, the facts have been presented to you. Do with them what you will. We're teeing the little guy up right now and going for three.

Courtesy of IGN.com