Epilepsy is a disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled and disorganized communication between nerve cells in the brain. When this occurs, seizures can occur. Seizures can come on at any age, in any ethnic group and can occur in a variety of conditions, including a stroke, a fever, or certain metabolic conditions. When seizures happen repetitively, you are diagnosed with epilepsy.
However, in some cases, epilepsy can be inherited from a parent, and scientists are in the process of trying to determine the different genetic abnormalities associated with epilepsy in order to have a better understanding of what happens during some seizures and possible future treatments of this. Due to the advancement of technology, our understanding about this disorder and active research, scientists and clinicians have identified several genes that could classify epilepsy as an inherited disorder. These mutated genes include defects in various channels involved in transporting chemicals used to help areas in the brain communicate with one another. The defects in these genes could contribute the abnormal communication between neurons in the brain that cause seizures to occur. The anticonvulsant medications currently available to help you manage your seizures target these specific areas in the brain involved with communication.
Sources:
Wallace R. Mutations in GABA receptor genes cause human epilepsy. Lancet Neurol 2002;1:212.
Mulley JC, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, et al. Channelopathies as a genetic cause of epilepsy. Curr Opinion Neurol 2003;16:171-176.
