Incidence of a Family History of Seizures in Patients with Classified Seizure Types and Epilepsy Syndromes.
Abstract number :
2.118
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
3005
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
A.C. May, M.D., Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; C. Schwaner, Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; N.B. Fountain, M.D., Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
RATIONALE: Some epilepsies, especially idiopathic inherited syndromes, have a strong genetic predisposition, even occurring on an autosomal basis with known gene defects. More complicated genetic influences are recognized to play some role in the tendency to develop acquired epilepsies. In order to assess the contribution that genetic influences have toward the development of acquired epilepsies, we reviewed the family history of a large series of patients with known etiologies, seizure types, and epilepsy syndromes.
METHODS: Family history data was obtained from our epilepsy clinic database of 985 patients with clinically definite epilepsy and classified ILAE seizure types and epilepsy syndromes. Family history was obtained during routine clinic visits and consisted of whether any family member was affected and their relationship to the patient. Individual types of seizures were grouped into categories; generalized seizures only (399), partial seizures only (563), or mixed generalized and partial seizures (23). Epilepsy syndromes were analyzed individually and also grouped into: localization-related or generalized categories; and into idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic categories. Chi square analysis was performed to determine whether a statistically significant difference existed between groups for the incidence of a positive family history. We also analyzed wether there was a preference for strictly maternal or paternal positive family histories.
RESULTS: Among classes of seizures, the incidence of a positive family history was greater in patients with generalized seizures (57%) compared to those with only partial seizures (45%) or mixed partial and generalized seizures (45%, p=.0002). There was no statistically significant difference between these groups for a strictly maternal or paternal family history. Among categories of epilepsy syndromes, a positive family history was more common among idiopathic generalized epilepsies (63%) than symptomatic localization-related epilepsies (39%, p[lt].0001).
CONCLUSIONS: This supports the notion that idiopathic generalized epilepsies have a strong genetic component. However, symptomatic localization-related epilepsies,which are usually considered to be acquired, also frequently have a positive family history. Further analysis is required to define the degree of genetic influence on the development of specific epilepsy syndromes and specific etiologies, especially temporal lobe epilepsy.