Low-energy light bulbs 'can trigger epilepsy'

The bulbs - soon to be compulsory in homes - have caused dizziness, lightheadedness and other symptoms experienced in the early stages of a fit.

Judging by the number of complaints to charities and MPs, thousands may have already been affected.

In March, the Government joined other EU leaders in agreeing to phase out incandescent bulbs from 2009.

The low-energy versions last longer and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

However, health minister Ivan Lewis said there has been "no assessment" of the impact on epilepsy sufferers.

In answer to a parliamentary question, he admitted that the bulbs may also affect the 16,000 Britons with lupus, an autoimmune disease.

Epilepsy affects up to half a million, including 23,000 whose fits are brought on by flickering lights.

It is unclear how the bulbs are triggering the symptoms. Though they do flicker, the rate is different to that usually associated with seizures.

The answer may lie in the way the light is generated, with light produced by low-energy bulbs having a different wavelength pattern.

In recent months Geoffrey Cox, Tory MP for Torridge and West Devon, has received around 20 complaints. He said: "If I have had 15 or 20 letters, there must be hundreds around the country affected - even thousands."

A spokesman for the charity Epilepsy Action said it was investigating after receiving several complaints.