Identification of Families with Epilepsy and Seizures
Abstract number :
1.065
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
2941
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
M.H. Solaas, Cand.Real., Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; O. Henriksen, MD, Norwegian National Epilepsy Hospital, Sandvika, Norway; G.B. Refsland, RN, Norwegian National Epilepsy Hospital, Sandvika, Norway; J.R. Helle, MD,
RATIONALE: The aim of this study was to identify families with epilepsy and seizures in order to determine the degree to which genetic and environmental factors influence risk for seizures
METHODS: Participants of the Norwegian Twin Panel were screened for a history of epilepsy and seizures among themselves and their relatives using a questionnaire. Detailed information on seizure history was obtained from twins and members of their families using a structured interview. Reported seizure/epilepsy cases were verified by medical records, when available. Seizures and syndromes were classified using the ILEA classification
RESULTS: In this ongoing study, 28 large families with apparent autosomal dominant inheritance of epilepsy and/or seizures have been identified. Eight families have been classified as having febrile seizures only, whereas seven families have generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus. There are three families with primary generalized epilepsy, one with benign neonatal epilepsy and one with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. We also identified eight families in which different seizure types and syndromes segregated among family members. Ignoring the distinction between the seizure/syndrome types, epilepsy also could be caused by a single gene in these families as well.
CONCLUSIONS: The population based Norwegian Twin Panel has been shown to be a valuable resource for identifying families with epilepsy and seizures. Eight families showing apparent autosomal dominant segregation of different seizure/syndrome types within each family are of special interest. We consider members of these families as [dsquote]epilepsy prone[dsquote]. Molecular studies will reveal whether one or more genes may cause [dsquote]epilepsy prone[dsquote] phenotypes.
Support: Supprted by NIH Grants NS 31564 and N525630