1. Why the ban exists

Flashing lights can trigger seizures in some people with photosensitive epilepsy and may also cause headache, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, eye discomfort or distress. A person may not know that they are photosensitive. The Association is not aware of a valid role or adequate evidence for strobe stimulation within IEMT.

Healthcare neurophysiology departments may use calibrated photic stimulation while recording an electroencephalogram. That is a controlled diagnostic procedure performed and monitored by trained healthcare staff. It does not justify copying the procedure in therapy, coaching, training, demonstrations or home use.

2. What is prohibited

• purpose-built strobe or photic-stimulation devices;
• phone, tablet, computer, virtual-reality or projector content designed to flash or flicker;
• rapid switching of lamps, torches, LEDs, images, colours or screen brightness;
• light-and-sound, entrainment or “brainwave” equipment using flashing visual stimulation;
• asking a client to look at incidental flicker after it has been recognised; and
• presenting any of these methods as IEMT, an IEMT enhancement or Association-approved practice.

Normal continuous room lighting, ordinary non-flashing screen use and practitioner-guided eye movements without flashing stimulation are not prohibited by this policy. Practitioners must still stop or adapt work if a client experiences visual discomfort, dizziness, neurological symptoms or another adverse response.

3. Duties of trainers and supervisors

• state the prohibition clearly in training and supervision;
• do not demonstrate prohibited equipment, even as an optional or experimental adaptation;
• correct trainees or practitioners who believe strobe stimulation is part of IEMT;
• report credible use or promotion to the Association; and
• ensure course advertising and third-party demonstrations do not imply approval.

4. If exposure or symptoms occur

• stop the flashing stimulus immediately and make the environment safe;
• if a seizure occurs, protect the person from injury, cushion their head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, time the seizure and do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth;
• call 999 in the UK for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, serious injury, breathing difficulty or failure to regain consciousness;
• follow the person’s known seizure care plan when applicable and when trained to do so;
• advise appropriate medical assessment for new visual, neurological or seizure symptoms; and
• create a factual record and report through the Adverse-Event Reporting Policy.

5. Reporting a suspected breach

Clients, trainees, members and witnesses should report suspected use or promotion through the complaints and feedback route. Include dates, setting, equipment or media used, what was represented, any symptoms or harm, and available evidence. Do not put another person at risk in order to obtain proof.

6. Investigation and sanction

A credible allegation may result in immediate interim restrictions while it is assessed. The member must receive notice of the concern, a fair opportunity to respond and access to the applicable disciplinary and appeal process. Protective action may be taken before a final decision where the risk justifies it.

Where intentional use, demonstration, recommendation or endorsement is substantiated, Association membership will be terminated and an IEMT Practitioner certificate issued through the Association or British Board process will be withdrawn. The Association may also notify an employer, insurer, training body, safeguarding authority, regulator or police where this is necessary and lawful.