Causes Of Epilepsy
For about 70% of cases, epilepsy cannot be traced to single definite cause. This fact adds a degree of ambiguity to the disease. It can affect any age group, but has a predisposition for infants and elderly. [3]
In cases, where the cause is identified, it can be one from the list:
Genetics
In most cases, where no cause for epilepsy can be appreciated on superficial examination, genetic cause may be the culprit. Epilepsy being genetic in origin does not mean that it is hereditary. This means that even if there is no family history of epilepsy, the baby may get a gene mutation during its development. However, a strong family history is a more definite risk factor for genetic mutation. A mutation in a wide variety of genes is required to trigger seizures and cause epilepsy. Some mutations in the ion channels which maintain the electrical potential across the membranes, essential for current conduction, may be involved in triggering epilepsy. Angelman syndrome is one such genetic disorder affecting brain development. Approximately 8 out of 10 patients with this syndrome get epilepsy.