Is epilepsy inherited? | Epilepsy and pregnancy

Is epilepsy inherited?

Epilepsy in the narrower sense is rarely inherited. Heredity depends on the type of epilepsy and in most cases is not a hereditary disease in the narrower sense. Nevertheless, genetic factors do play a certain role, because children with parents suffering from epilepsy are more prone to seizures.

However, many other factors play a role in the development of epilepsy in the course of a child’s life, so that only about 3-5% of children develop epilepsy. It is highly probable, however, that this epilepsy is then a benign epilepsy that is relatively easy to treat. It is noticeable, however, that children in whom both parents have epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of the disease.

Less common are monogenic epilepsies, i.e. epilepsies that occur due to the mutation of a single gene and can be inherited via this gene. One example is the benign familial newborn epilepsy. This begins on the 2nd or 3rd day of life, can be treated relatively well and often ends by itself.

Employment ban

A prohibition of employment can be issued by a doctor if there is a risk to the health of mother and child. This prohibition is not generally issued in the case of epilepsy, but must be examined in each individual case. Sleep deprivation or stress due to the workplace (both factors that can promote an epileptic seizure) can be reasons to issue a ban on employment. In any case, these factors should be discussed with the doctor treating the patient and the risk should be assessed.