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Previous research has narrowed investigations into IGEs to a region on Chromosome 15.
Taking this further, a large consortium of scientists sifted through two large genetic databases of people who either had a history of IGE or were otherwise healthy.
In 12 of the 1,233 people with IGE, they spotted several microdeletions in a gene called CHRNA7, which regulates signalling between brain cells.
The telltale variations were not seen in any of the 3,699 healthy counterparts.
The flaws are the biggest risk factor yet seen for IGE, although they still account for just one percent of cases of these fits.
Epileptic seizures are triggered by abnormal, synchronised firing of neuron groups, which results in disruption to the central nervous system, causing spasms and convulsions, and in the worst cases, stopping breathing.
Approximately two to four percent of people will have a seizure at some point in their lives, while for epileptics, the experience can be repeated many times.
The vast majority of seizures stop by themselves. In some cases, though, the fit develops into a highly dangerous condition called status epilepticus that has a mortality rate of up to 20 percent.
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Image of undated illustration showing the DNA double helix, from AFP.
Taking this further, a large consortium of scientists sifted through two large genetic databases of people who either had a history of IGE or were otherwise healthy.
In 12 of the 1,233 people with IGE, they spotted several microdeletions in a gene called CHRNA7, which regulates signalling between brain cells.
The telltale variations were not seen in any of the 3,699 healthy counterparts.
The flaws are the biggest risk factor yet seen for IGE, although they still account for just one percent of cases of these fits.
Epileptic seizures are triggered by abnormal, synchronised firing of neuron groups, which results in disruption to the central nervous system, causing spasms and convulsions, and in the worst cases, stopping breathing.
Approximately two to four percent of people will have a seizure at some point in their lives, while for epileptics, the experience can be repeated many times.
The vast majority of seizures stop by themselves. In some cases, though, the fit develops into a highly dangerous condition called status epilepticus that has a mortality rate of up to 20 percent.
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Image of undated illustration showing the DNA double helix, from AFP.
