A trip to see Kenny Chesney in Las Vegas should have been a dream birthday for Michelle Albin from Minnesota, but it quickly turned into a frightening ordeal.
She and her husband Brian were enjoying the concert in May when, without any warning, Brian suddenly collapsed.
A Sudden Collapse in the Middle of the Show
Michelle, a dentist by profession, described how her husband, 54, who had no prior medical issues, had been on his second beer when he “bumped up” against her and started shaking uncontrollably.
She caught him as he fell, lowering him gently to the ground while panicking and calling for help.
“It happened without warning. He was fine one second and unconscious the next,” Michelle recalled.
“People think they can sit down or close their eyes if they feel dizzy, but there was no chance to react.”
Brian’s face turned white, his eyes rolled back, and Michelle feared he was having a heart attack.
He remained unconscious on the floor for up to five minutes before trained medical personnel arrived.
From Panic to Diagnosis
Initially, staff suspected he might have overindulged in alcohol, but when EMTs arrived, Brian lost consciousness again.
He was rushed to a hospital and treated with more advanced equipment.
Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a photosensitive seizure—a rare type of epilepsy triggered by flashing lights and patterns.
Only about 3 percent of people with epilepsy experience photosensitive seizures, and while most seizures are not life-threatening, a rare condition called SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) can occur.
Fortunately, Brian has not experienced recurring seizures since the incident.
Why the Sphere Can Trigger Seizures
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis, explained that immersive venues like the Sphere can provoke first-time seizures in rare cases.
“Some people have underlying sensitivity to flashing lights or patterns and don’t know it until they’re exposed to something extreme,” he said.
He highlighted the most dangerous triggers: strobes flashing 3–30 times per second, super-bright visuals that fill the entire field of view, rapid scene changes, and high-contrast patterns like black-and-white stripes or grids.
Other factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, or missed medications can increase the risk further.
How to Stay Safe During a Seizure
Dr. Dasgupta advised that if someone has a seizure, stay calm and focus on safety.
Don’t hold the person down or put anything in their mouth.
Keep them away from nearby hazards, and if possible, roll them onto their side to protect their airway.
Monitor the duration and call for medical help if necessary, especially if complications arise.
The Sphere’s Warnings and Guidelines
The Sphere, which hosts thousands of visitors daily, does alert guests about the intensity of its immersive shows.
Its website and Ticketmaster listings outline potential elements like haptics, movement sensations, flashing lights, loud noises, pyrotechnics, fog, wind, bubbles, mist, and scent.
Guests are advised to consider their medical history and consult a physician if they have any concerns, including pregnancy, before attending a show.
Michelle’s experience serves as a reminder of how thrilling—but also intense—these modern entertainment experiences can be.