Genetics of Epilepsy and Refractory Epilepsy (Colloquium Series on the Genetic Basis of Human Disease)

Epilepsy affects approximately 3% of the population, and is usually defined as a tendency to experience recurrent seizures arising from periodic neuronal hyperexcitability of unknown causes. Different genetic factors, through various mechanisms, can cause this abnormal neuronal behaviour. The etiology of epilepsy is a major determinant of clinical course and prognosis.