Energy saving light bulbs can trigger epilepsy-like symptoms in sufferers of the condition, it revealed yesterday.

The bulbs - soon to be compulsory in homes - have caused dizziness, lightheadedness and other symptoms experienced in the early stages of a seizure. 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 16000 Britons with lupus, an autoimmune disease.

It is unclear how the low-energy bulbs are triggering the symptoms as, 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 wave-length pattern.

In recent months Geoffrey Cox, Tory MP for Torridge and West Devon, has received around 20 complaints. He said 'If I have had 15-20 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.