Stroboscopically Induced Visual Hallucinations: Historical, Phenomenological and Neurobiological Perspectives
Trevor Hewitt, Ioanna Amaya, Romy Beauté, Anil K. Seth, Timo Torsten Schmidt, David J. Schwartzman
December 13, 2024 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/ncqaw via OpenAlex
Summary
Exposure to rapid and bright stroboscopic light can induce vivid visual hallucinations characterized by color and geometric shapes. This narrative review summarizes historical research on the phenomenon, explores its phenomenology, discusses potential neural mechanisms behind these experiences, and highlights unanswered questions regarding its physiological origins and therapeutic applications. The review emphasizes the need for further exploration of how stroboscopic light affects altered states of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Design | narrative review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Stroboscopic light exposure is associated with vivid visual hallucinations, but fundamental questions about its physiological origins and clinical applications remain unanswered. |
Abstract
Exposure to rapid and bright stroboscopic light has long been reported to induce vivid visual hallucinations of colour and geometric formations. This phenomenon was first documented by Purkinje over 200 years ago. Since then, significant progress has been made in understanding the effects of stroboscopic light and the experiences it induces through multiple waves of interest from the scientific, therapeutic, and broader cultural communities. Despite these advances, fundamental questions remain unanswered, including comprehensive characterisations of its phenomenology, its precise physiological origins, under which conditions it may lead to altered states of consciousness phenomena, and potential clinical or therapeutic applications. This narrative review provides a historical summary of research into stroboscopic light stimulation alongside its use in recreation and lay-therapeutic contexts. It also discusses the phenomenology of these experiences, current perspectives on the potential neural mechanisms of stroboscopically induced experiences, and provides an outlook for future research in this field.