Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
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Despite its frequency in central nervous disease, epilepsy's molecular pathogenesis has been unclear. Still, the association of genes causing epilepsy--and particular familial epilepsy--have ben ascertained, as having abnormalities identified in gene encoding ion channels and receptors. ⋯ The identification of genetic abnormalities is, nonetheless, helpful in diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for the disease. Here, we describe epilepsies in which genetic analyses are useful, the contributions made by new technologies, and future prospects in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy.