Post by: Gamebasher on April 28, 2005, 03:34:43 PM
Yes, after playing Super Mario 64 DS for 3 days of 3 hours each, I suddenly felt a strong headache in the left side of my head, and strange lightpatterns intertwined with weird reflections obscured the eyesight in the left part of the left eye. I had to stop playing, and wait until the pain and visual disturbances had gone away. They did, after half an hour or so, sitting in a chair with my eyes closed. I recall how, sitting there with my eyes closed, I could now see even more powerfull light-patterns in all kinds of weird colors, just hoping they would go away so I could get back to playing. So after 30-40 minutes, I resumed playing. Only resulting in immediate return of both the headache and the visual disturbances, even more strongly.
I thought, this is unbelievable! Here I waited over one year to get my hands on a DS, and then after only three days of playing I find I cannot do it! What the heck is wrong? I NEVER had such trouble from either the GameBoy or any other handheld I ever played games on!!
When I went on the train about an hour later, going out in the open to relax and get better, I nearly fainted on the floor of the train! I don´t think people noticed it, but I did! Only because of immediate action which helped me to concentrate, I managed to keep my balance. Even walking out of the train, with no eyesight in the whole left part of the left eye was one terrible experience which made me think I was about to go blind! Whaaaam! And it took the whole of the rest of that day, before I felt well again. Regaining my eyesight in the left eye fully, made me very relieved. After the resumption of play, I must have triggered something worse, I thought later. Because this was way too strange. It never happened before, with any other console I played, not even the ones I play on a tv.
The next day, I went over to the EBGames shop where I bought the DS, and explained about the problem. They immediately looked at me in a very concerned way, flipping open a DS manual, and said that the DS manual had a warning which told of the risk of epileptic seizure found with some people who are sensitive to certain flashes and lightpatterns found in videogames and which could result in all sorts of health problems. So there it was! The problem I had, was that I obviously cannot view the DS screens without sustaining epileptic seizures!!
I requested they give me something else in place of the DS, and knew that it was no problem as there were pixel-errors on the screens of my DS already. I had found two of them, which I had decided to use as a reason for the requested exchange. Incredibly, EB Games staff found three more pixel errors, so that there were five of them alltogether.
Has any of you people ever experienced such a problem playing your DS machines, or know of people/heard of people who did? I really thought how sad it is that I cannot play the DS anymore, and just wondered if any of you know what to do about it, if anything at all possible. Because I really want to play the DS, but fear the consequences in light of the crazy reaction I got from my body!
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on April 28, 2005, 04:10:52 PM
Post by: Mario on April 28, 2005, 04:13:05 PM
I don't see how DS could make you feel like this but other screens do not.
Post by: KnowsNothing on April 28, 2005, 04:21:57 PM
Your best bet is to go seek a doctor
Post by: kirby_killer_dedede on April 28, 2005, 04:33:47 PM
And I severely doubt it's because of your DS if you have experiences with Game Boys and whatnot. I'm thinking something else is going on with you and the DS is just making it worse. Like how staring at the computer with a headache is going to make it worse - the computer didn't cause your headache (well...maybe) but it is makign it worse.
Definitely see a dcotor about it, because if it is epileptic seizures you're experiencing then that may cut you off from the gaming world forever. *tear*
Post by: Caliban on April 28, 2005, 04:41:33 PM
Post by: Gamebasher on April 28, 2005, 05:03:51 PM
I WILL see a doctor. I just decided for it. I guess I forgot about that ption after the problem faded away. Yeah, it would e good to find out what it is that I am sensitive to.
As to what light conditions I was playing under, I can say that I was playing under three spotlights fixed on a magnetic steel-bar in the ceiling. Pretty tough direct light. Could be that there was some sort of interaction between the screens light-output beaming out in the room and the descending light-output from above. Hard to say. Still, when I played in total darkness, I really felt it was worse.
Post by: Renny on April 28, 2005, 05:52:51 PM
Post by: Blackknight131 on April 28, 2005, 06:52:39 PM
I was going to say email Nintendo as well and ask them if they have had complaints of this previously and what to do about it...but really, they would likely advise you to see your doctor anyway.
Post by: thepoga on April 28, 2005, 08:17:34 PM
Post by: ruby_onix on April 28, 2005, 09:29:56 PM
Quote
I suddenly felt a strong headache in the left side of my head, and strange lightpatterns intertwined with weird reflections obscured the eyesight in the left part of the left eye.
I've gotten something that feels exactly like that (just not always on the left... I think) on the few occasions when I've had a mild fever, and thought I could just "brush it off" because I didn't really feel "sick".
It's probably not related to your DS. (Unless you caught Japan's latest version of the flu from it.) Lay off it for a couple days anyways. Take it easy. See a doctor if you're worried.
If it comes back when you play your DS again, then you might have a problem.
Post by: Bloodworth on April 28, 2005, 09:58:44 PM
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on April 28, 2005, 11:34:27 PM
HOWEVER. From my research, I can tell you that DOES NOT sound like most epilleptic seizures. Most take the form of muscle twitches, larger spasms or "spacing out." Most also last for shorter periods of time. Seizure is a general term for a salt imbalance in the brain that causes odd behavior, but I don't remember reading about headaches or visual imbalances. It's possible, but that would be a rare manifestation of a seizure.
EDIT: Also, though this does not exclude anything, an LCD/DS screen is less likely to cause an epilleptic seizure since:
1) The screens (or at least the pattern that potentially triggered the seizure) probably don't take up THAT much of your field of vision
2) The LCD screens do not have the flicker of TV sets, which increase the chance of a seizure for predisposed individuals
3) Depending on the lighting conditions, colors may have been somewhat washed out, making changes in luminance (the contrast) in a pattern over time or space less pronounced. But you said you were playing in the dark, which is the most dangerous situation from a seizure standpoint.
EDIT 2: Oh yeah, and that EB guy didn't know jack. He could flip open ANY manual for a video game system written in the last 10 years and see such a disclaimer/warning. So if he really knew what he was doing, he wouldn't have sold you any more games if he thought it was seizure-related. Doesn't that manual even say to STOP PLAYING GAMES AND SEE A DOCTOR if you have such an experience?!
So yeah, I'd say it could be a seizure, but I don't believe all seizures are chronic/epilepsy. All of that happened in the same day, so you really shouldn't be considering that multiple experiences. Hopefully your doctor can figure out what happened.
Post by: KDR_11k on April 29, 2005, 04:04:56 AM
Post by: Pale on April 29, 2005, 06:25:25 AM
I would definately not blame the DS. I half expected that story to end with "And then the EBGames guy sold me a PSP."
Post by: Gremio on April 29, 2005, 06:38:13 AM
http://www.mamashealth.com/migraine.asp
Like others said, go to your doctor as it could be anything. But if was seizures I'd think the symptoms would be different. I've suffered from migraines and those symptoms do sound familiar. It's possible concentrating on 3D graphics on a small screen might have triggered it. Mine were usually triggered by caffiene, stress, and very bright light.
Post by: RickPowers on April 29, 2005, 08:25:47 AM
Is this the first time you've ever experienced something like this? Did you feel nauseous? Regardless, I think it would definitely be wise to talk to a doctor.
Post by: zakkiel on April 29, 2005, 01:10:32 PM
But I've never heard of people passing out from one. Definitely see a doctor. Anything that can make you black out is very dangerous, if only because it can make you fall and split your skull or crash a car or whatnot.
Post by: KDR_11k on April 29, 2005, 09:29:50 PM
Post by: Artimus on April 30, 2005, 09:02:11 AM
Honestly, people who consult EB Games for medical advice...well, natural selection will runs its course.
Post by: Rancid Planet on April 30, 2005, 09:54:32 AM
Post by: Mr. Segali on April 30, 2005, 10:59:28 AM
Post by: Cleon_I on May 02, 2005, 02:23:20 AM
On the website for migraines, it says hunger is a possible cause, and the symptoms of the Classic Migraine match mine perfectly. Thanks guys, who needs a doctor when you have the PGC forums?
Anyway, looking at the website, it doesn't seem like the DS was the cause and I've certainly never had problems with epilepsy before, and I play games anywhere, even playing in the car doesn't make me sick. Of course, you should still see a doctor if it keeps happening. Fainting isn't usually serious, but if it happens repeatedly it can be a sign of something bigger.
Post by: mantidor on May 02, 2005, 07:05:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Segali
Health > gaming
Its is!?!? O_o j/k
I had something similar, although not as severe, and it was caused by being to much time in front of my monitor, I felt a really unconfortable sensation in my left eye, almost painful, like if the muscles were being stretch, and I wasnt playing games, just browsing the web. After that I take a rest from any screen at least every hour, even if Im just reading.
Post by: zakkiel on May 02, 2005, 01:55:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
zakkiel: I guess it has the advantage that you know how to imagine the nothing in The Neverending Story, eh?
Hmm, not really. It's kind of like how you can't see behind you. It's not there's 180 degrees of vision and then nothing. You don't another 180 degrees of blackness outside of your peripheral vision, you just don't see anything there. Your brain can't even conceive of anything being there, you can't imagine being able to see 360 degrees. Try and imagine that your vision now has a hole in it, an area in the middle which is like all the area outside your peripheral vision: just nonexistent as far as your brain is concerned. Except in this case you can obviously imagine it being filled because normally it is.
Post by: KnowsNothing on May 02, 2005, 02:29:28 PM
(ever since I first asked what blind people "see," and I was answered with "nothing." Confused the hell outta me.)
Post by: anubis6789 on May 02, 2005, 10:15:22 PM
The blacking out isn't that uncommon either, I have even started to have hallucinations during some of mine. I used to get very nauseus but I havn't gotten that way in a while. One of the wierder things that happens to me is that my hands will start to go numb. Once my entire left side felt numb.
If you do find out that you suffer from migrains all I can say is welcome to the club, and I hope you learn to become able to deal with them.
Post by: Strell on May 03, 2005, 04:26:45 PM
Anyway I'd suggest doctors over clueless game employees.
You might as well go into a gas station and ask for advice...
Post by: RABicle on May 04, 2005, 07:25:28 AM
EDITED FOR PROPER USE OF COMMA THAT NONE OF YOU WEAKLINGS PICKED UP. (And Ms. P's correction)
I will not take english lessons from mr "a x-ray, an european"
Post by: KDR_11k on May 04, 2005, 08:17:26 AM
It's "your ƒucking moron", the a isn't necessary because you're already using a possessive pronoun.
Post by: Ms.Pikmin on May 04, 2005, 08:57:23 AM
Post by: IceCold on May 04, 2005, 02:58:57 PM
Post by: thepoga on May 04, 2005, 03:05:41 PM
Post by: Ms.Pikmin on May 04, 2005, 03:28:39 PM
RAB, give the guy a break. He had some scary physical symptoms and didn't think through what the cause really was nor get a doctor's opinion before returning his DS. Might not have been the wisest thing to do, but come on now.
Post by: RABicle on May 04, 2005, 05:13:43 PM
Post by: StrainX on May 05, 2005, 07:41:49 PM
However, I don't know how old you are, but if migraines are not something you've ever experienced... you need to see a physician to either be worked up to rule out the possibility of something worst going on inside your skull, or get a referral to see a neurologist - although I suspect its most likely not something as serious that requires you to see a neurologist, but rather something your primary care physician can probably just give you some Imitrex for in case it happens again.
Granted you never know if the DS screen for some reason triggered a migraine (a possibility but rather unlikely), but it doesn't sound like you ever gave it a second try before dumping it.
Post by: Rancid Planet on May 05, 2005, 11:13:55 PM
I doubt this one incident will bring about the DS's downfall.
Post by: Dasmos on May 06, 2005, 12:14:36 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Rancid Planet
Why is everyone so mad at this guy?
I doubt this one incident will bring about the DS's downfall.
That is yet to be seen........................
Post by: reverend_tod on May 10, 2005, 10:54:36 PM
The games or tv/pc screens are only one thing that can ad to a migrane; diet, stress, oxygen, polution, lack of sleep, hunger, there are tons (even temperature) and if you played too many games with combinations of those other things you're bound to get a headache eventually. Sucks you traded it in; I've skipped most of the thread, but can you get it back? Hopefully you can because DS is awesome.
Post by: Gamebasher on May 11, 2005, 08:25:23 AM
And to those of you who would like to label me braindead or worse: try to control your language, OK? I definitely do not take the EB Games staff for medicial experts, but more as very kind people with a great customer service not found anywhere else in my city, and people one can go to in order to ask what to do with a machine one suspects being the cause of severe bodily malfunction.
Besides, the EB Games staff adviced me to do away with it, NOT me! So, wiseguys who are so quick to judge and so late to ask proper questions first, I am NOT dumb, but more likely a person who is understandably in the habit of panicking when I lose my eyesight on one eye temporarily because of playing for several hours on a portable videogame console and next nearly fainting in the middle of a train ride!! Like somebody tearing the solid ground away from under your feet, and leaving you to drown in a sea of emptiness! One heck of a nasty experience, and then it´s NOT nice to be labelled a complete idiot afterwards! Tsk, some people are just too fanboyish!
When pre-playing a Sony PSP, I didn´t feel like that at all. The screen on that console is much bigger and wide too. So maybe I will have to be content with that until Nintendo gives us a handheld with a bigger screen. I really do think that the size of the screens on the DS plays a part here. I really feel that I have been trying to be loyal to Nintendo over the years, buying almost everything they ever marketed. But I think I will go Sony in this case, although I will definitely feel inclined at one point to own a DS again, for the simple reason of the outstanding games coming out on it right now. I am just not going to have that nasty experience ever again. That much is sure. So we´ll see what the doctor says.
Post by: hudsonhawk on May 11, 2005, 08:58:18 AM
Quote
I rely instead on alternative medicine, such as Homeopathic medicines which type of medicine I have used for over 7 years now
Well why didn't you just say so! You just need some of these and you'll be JUST FINE.
I mean, what does hundreds of years of scientifically-based medicine know?
At least now we know what the problem with your head is...
Post by: Gamebasher on May 11, 2005, 09:22:46 AM
And as for what hundreds of years of scientifically-based medicine "know", let me include that if they know so much, then why isn´t there more people being cured by their medicines? Why is it so that instead there is hundreds of millions of people who suffer daily from ailments that are NOT being cured, but instead being symptom-controlled using these medicines that doctors give them? What do YOU know about medicine, my friend? Close to nothing, I suspect!
I really think you should refrain from being so offensive! Even if trying to be funny in a good way, that is NOT what you are conveying here! This is a respectable Nintendo website, and I don´t think it deserves replies with such "funny" connotations at all!
Post by: Renny on May 11, 2005, 12:20:51 PM
Post by: reverend_tod on May 11, 2005, 03:01:24 PM
When I said that sucked you traded in I didn't mean YOU screwed up I just was saying too bad you can't play your DS, at least for now. I hope you figure it out soon though
Post by: thepoga on May 11, 2005, 03:30:00 PM
Post by: StrainX on May 11, 2005, 07:54:42 PM
Homeopathic doctor's don't cure you either. Their whole deal is to give diluted poison to treat poison. The scientific data doesn't support anything they do. Here in the US, they're just quacks. Hell, here in the US, you can just open a shop today, call yourself a homeopath and no one law agency can do anything about it.
What you have is most likely a classic migraine. Go the physician, and get his advice, and get some Imitrex if you have another rip roaring migraine. Other than that, usually some ibuprofen immediately when you feel a headache come on is probably the best route.
The one thing that concerns me however, is... assuming you're a young adult, is why you're getting them now, and not earlier. The reason many people here urge you to go the physician is so he can examine your head and make sure there isn't a brain tumor or something else serious going on inside your brain causing this new onset headache.
And the disclaimer I attach here is that I haven't seen you or evaluated you so I have nothing to do with this really. Just go to a REAL physician.
Btw... just because millions of people suffer from illnesses that doctor's can't cure, doesn't mean that many of these illnesses can't be controlled so you're reall suffering from them - which is usually GOOD enough. Obviously all that scientific evidence is used to figure out what works as effective treatments, and if something is curable, or just treatable, or if more work is needed to find a better treatment/cure. What matters is for the most part, when you can treat the symptoms, the patient is functional and can get on with their lives.
The other thing is you're being very unreasonable. There is no such thing as a cure all in this world. We cure one disease, new ones appear. And you're being very unreasonable in expecting that the human body is some kind of super machine in which all ailments in it can be fixed. Its like saying you can't trust mechanics because they're not able to fix cars that are totally screwed up from the manufacturing plant, or totalled in a wreck. And don't be discounting all the blood and sweat doctor's put into the daily research to find cures and treatments.
Post by: UncleBob on May 11, 2005, 09:20:45 PM
Think about it... If everyone was 100% healthy, doctors would be useless - and out of jobs... Beware of Doctors...
Post by: thepoga on May 11, 2005, 09:40:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Gamebasher
I don´t trust the doctors these days much anymore since a lot of them give you symptom-controlling medication, and not something which goes to the real root cause of the problem and heal it! I rely instead on alternative medicine, such as Homeopathic medicines which type of medicine I have used for over 7 years now after first seeing one such doctor in 1997 who incidentally was an American doctor travelling in Europe. So there you have it - the reason why I didn´t go to "the Doctor" first! I don´t want their drugs, I want REAL medicine.
Yeah, you're right! Doctors only give people medication that controls symptoms. When my friend's Father had CANCER, all the doctor did was slip him some Tylenol. That did the trick. It certainly couldn't have been surgery or anything like that. Surgery is evil. And when another friend of mine had a REALLY high fever (103 i think), the doctor obviously just gave him something that only cured the symptoms. That must have been what made him get better.
I think you're thinking of a medic.
(from Red vs. Blue).
Doc: A medic makes you feel better... while you die.
Doc: I'm a big fan of alternative medicine. Like the guy from the blue team, he had a foot wound, I just rubbed aloe vera on his neck and it worked just fine.
"And as for what hundreds of years of scientifically-based medicine "know", let me include that if they know so much, then why isn´t there more people being cured by their medicines?"
You're also right about scientific based medicine not helping much. It only solved how the black plague was spread, it extended the human life span for a couple more decades, and only a few other things. They should've found a way to cure everything by now. If alternative medicine was given a chance, there would be no such thing as AIDS or cancer.
I can't play games like FPS's. I've experienced dizziness from an unknown source and my doctor found that I can get motion sickness from FPS's. And I'm glad those homeopathic doctors warned you that you had that headache/blindness thing. It sure did save you the hastle of buying and returning a DS. Oh wait...
(I'm not necessarily ragging on you, I'm doing that to ALL alternative medicine people).
To everyone else: I don't agree with listening to EB staff regarding the returning of the DS. He returned it way too quickly and shouldve waited until he got a diagnosis of whatever is wrong. BUT he was panicked from the blacking out thing or going blind thing. So cut him a little slack for that. I'm sure you all would be very calm in that situation. I know I would be. Minus the screaming and panicking part.
Post by: reverend_tod on May 11, 2005, 09:44:27 PM
Post by: StrainX on May 11, 2005, 10:34:23 PM
I'm sorry, homeopathy is pure bunk. All they give you is color water anyways. You call that real medicine ? I call it the miracle drug called pla-ce-bo.
Post by: oohhboy on May 12, 2005, 06:07:13 AM
Chinese Medicine does nothing against Cancer, AIDS or any of the modern diseases that have cropped up this past 100 years. But flu, head colds, fever, pain, blood pressure and other low level ills Chinese medicine will bring you right. If you can get it pass your mouth.
Post by: StrainX on May 12, 2005, 06:19:27 AM
Post by: Gamebasher on May 12, 2005, 07:54:55 AM
I really know where the fun games are, on DS. So, I guess you are all convincing me to go over to the physician and have her check me out. I guess that´s the only way I can ever learn what the heck happened that day. I will mention that I was playing right under three bright spotlights, and that these may have had something to do with the whole problem.
One of my friends is doing all he can to get me to buy a PSP instead. He is a die-hard Sony fan, and I am really wondering if it will be fun to own it. Over here it will be expensive, and only few games that are any good will be out at launch. So it will be interesting to learn if the doctor also tries to keep me away from the DS.
Will let all of you know once I get the word from the Doc.
Post by: Pale on May 12, 2005, 08:09:54 AM
Get yourself some codeine and stop worrying about it....
Post by: Ms.Pikmin on May 12, 2005, 09:10:53 AM
Post by: RABicle on May 12, 2005, 09:28:37 AM
Post by: KnowsNothing on May 12, 2005, 09:39:19 AM
Quote
Someone had an epilectiv fit in Coles the other day, it's total involuntary body movements and you lose memory of the incident. He'd know already if he was an epileptic.
I just noticed that. Kinda funny.
Post by: chaos on May 12, 2005, 02:49:59 PM
And about Homeopathy it works because you believe it will work, faith is an incredibly powerful thing, mind over matter if you will.
Post by: thepoga on May 12, 2005, 03:46:07 PM
Post by: chaos on May 12, 2005, 04:34:45 PM
Post by: Dirk Temporo on May 12, 2005, 06:22:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Gamebasher
Thanks, guys.
I WILL see a doctor. I just decided for it. I guess I forgot about that ption after the problem faded away. Yeah, it would e good to find out what it is that I am sensitive to.
As to what light conditions I was playing under, I can say that I was playing under three spotlights fixed on a magnetic steel-bar in the ceiling. Pretty tough direct light. Could be that there was some sort of interaction between the screens light-output beaming out in the room and the descending light-output from above. Hard to say. Still, when I played in total darkness, I really felt it was worse.
Yeah. That was no seizure. You'd know if you had a seizure (or you wouldn't remember anything at all).
