Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is epilepsy genetic?

    Related Topics
    Epilepsy & Seizures Neurology
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 1

    Thanks

    Epilepsy Action Australia

    Established in 1952, Epilepsy Action Australia provides education and support for people with epilepsy, their families and community, and professional groups. These services promote self-management … View Profile

    Although epilepsy can be acquired in some people (through a severe head injury for example), considering that at least 50% of people with epilepsy have no known cause for their condition - there is strong evidence that genetic factors may cause or contribute to many types of epilepsy. This area is currently being researched a great deal.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Thanks

    janinecaruso

    HealthShare Member

    I have heard that epilepsy is not hereditary. What is the difference between hereditary and genetic?

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
  • Epilepsy Action Australia

    Established in 1952, Epilepsy Action Australia provides education and support for people with epilepsy, their families and community, and professional groups. These services promote self-management … View Profile

    Hereditary and genetic essentially mean the same thing. Genetic factors are more likely in what is called ‘primary generalised epilepsy’ which means it is of no known cause. For example, absence and tonic clonic seizures.

    It is also thought that some people inherit a predisposition to seizures and epilepsy just like they do to asthma, diabetes and other chronic conditions. However, not everyone who inherits a predisposition to a condition actually acquires that condition.

    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Community Sponsor(s)
Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices