Is epilepsy hereditary?

Epilepsy has a certain genetic predisposition, but not all forms of epilepsy are inherited by the next generation.

Medically known as epilepsy, "sheep madness" is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent clinical symptoms caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. These symptoms may include loss of consciousness, limb convulsions, and sensory abnormalities. Scientific research indicates that epilepsy is associated with genetic factors.

Epilepsy is categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary epilepsy has a relatively higher hereditary probability, whereas secondary epilepsy is mostly caused by acquired factors and has a lower likelihood of being inherited. The genetic patterns of primary epilepsy include single-gene inheritance and multi-gene inheritance. The former refers to genetic disorders caused by abnormalities in a single gene, while the latter involves mutations and combined effects of multiple genes. However, even with a genetic predisposition, it does not necessarily mean that epilepsy will definitely be passed on to the next generation, as the onset of epilepsy is also influenced by various postnatal environmental and disease-related factors. Moreover, epilepsy is not a genetic disorder determined by a single gene, but rather a condition with a polygenic hereditary tendency. This means that variations or combinations of multiple genes may increase an individual's risk of developing epilepsy.

Brain injuries, infections, metabolic abnormalities, and drug reactions can all be triggering factors for epileptic seizures. Therefore, even with a genetic predisposition, controlling environmental risk factors can help reduce the incidence of epilepsy.