Definition

Seizure disorder refers to a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled disturbances in brain activity. These disturbances can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes in awareness, altered sensation, confusion, involuntary jerking movements of the limbs, stiffening of muscles, or even feelings of fear and anxiety, depending on the brain area affected. Epilepsy is a common type of seizure disorder.

Explanation

I recall an incident during a bus journey where a fellow passenger suddenly began to shake uncontrollably for a few minutes before collapsing. Later, I learned they had experienced a seizure, a manifestation of a seizure disorder. While some seizure disorders may not have a complete cure, many can be effectively managed and controlled with appropriate medication and lifestyle adjustments. Common signs that someone might be experiencing a seizure can include sudden falling, frothing at the mouth, rapid and unusual eye movements, making uncommon noises, and temporary loss of consciousness.

Now, how does a seizure disorder relate to a person's ability to use the internet? The answer lies in certain types of visual content. Your website might feature elements like rapidly flashing animations, brightly colored graphics, or content that flickers or blinks incessantly. For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, a common type of seizure disorder, exposure to such visual stimuli can act as a direct trigger for a seizure attack. This response is involuntary and can be extremely dangerous for the user.

Therefore, it is crucial to design your website with the awareness of this potential risk. You don't necessarily have to strip your website of all visual flair or animation. Instead, you can make relatively simple but impactful changes to ensure safety:

• Avoid Rapidly Flashing or Blinking Content: Ensure that no element on your website flashes or blinks more than three times per second, especially if the flashes are bright or high contrast. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) specifically recommend avoiding content that flashes more than three times per second or below certain thresholds (e.g., general flash and red flash thresholds).
• Use Subtler Animations and Transitions: Opt for gentle, smooth animations and transitions rather than jarring or fast-paced ones.
• Choose Muted or Lighter Color Schemes: While bright colors can be used, ensure they are not combined in ways that create intense, high-frequency flickering. Use lighter shades and avoid overly vibrant, high-contrast flashing combinations.

By implementing these thoughtful design considerations, you can ensure that your website is not only engaging but also safe and usable for all individuals, including those with seizure disorders.