Epilepsy and Genetics

Epilepsy and Genetics Things You Want to Know

Is epilepsy a genetic disorder? Genetics is believed to play a role in most forms of epilepsy. However, perhaps surprisingly, most people with epilepsy do not have any affected relatives. Current scientific evidence suggests that the role of genetics in epilepsy is complex – many genes with a small or modest effect on risk are likely involved – so that it is difficult to predict which people are at high risk.

In some unusual families, however, many people develop epilepsy, consistent with an effect of a mutation in a single gene with a strong effect on risk in the family. Studies of these rare families have been very informative for identifying genes that cause epilepsy.”

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The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) was established in 1961 as an organisation of laypersons and professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects of epilepsy. The IBE addresses such social problems as education, employment, insurance, driving licence restrictions and public awareness.