Question
Hello! I would like to ask the doctor, my child has epilepsy. Why do children get epilepsy, anyway?
Answer
Genetic Factors: Refers to the genetic susceptibility to epilepsy. Extensive research has shown that epilepsy is associated with genetic factors. Genetics can affect the function of cell membrane ion channels, lower the threshold for seizures, and cause neuronal discharge. Studies on the concordance rate of epilepsy in twins and family electroencephalograms indicate that the prevalence of epilepsy is highest between the ages of 5 to 15. Epilepsy syndromes closely related to genetic factors have been confirmed or speculated to include asymptomatic children and adolescents, adolescent myoclonic epilepsy, benign focal seizures, dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, and others. Some of these syndromes have localized genes for generalized or focal epilepsy. Acquired Factors: Brain structural abnormalities or metabolic disorders caused by acquired factors can generate epilepsy foci or reduce the seizure threshold.