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Epilepsy And Heredity

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February 3rd, 2005
My husband is epileptic. We are wanting to start a family in a couple years. He is really concerned that epilepsy is hereditary. What are the chances of us having a child that is epileptic? I have no family history and as far as I know, neither does my husband. If anyone can help me find some information on this. All I can find are articles about epileptic women and pregnancy and that does not help.

Thanks a bunch,
jodi
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PattyV
replied February 4th, 2005
Extremely eHealthy
Maybe some pre-pregnancy genetic councelling could be of help.There are docs who specialize in this and can help you decide if there is any risk to any children you may have.Good luck.
Patty
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FISHX
replied February 27th, 2005
Active User, very eHealthy
Epilepsy is not hereditry it is caused by damage usualy to the left side of the brain.
Although epilepsy can be dangerouse to pregnant women in the fact that seizures can not be kept under control properly without medication some forms are not used on pregnant women.
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rIcHrD
replied March 1st, 2005
Most forms of epilepsy don't have a well defined inheritance, so by that, the chances of your child inheriting it are small. For some specific forms, the inheritance is well defined and tests can be done to determine the probability of inheritance. You need to find out whether the type of epilepsy your husband suffers from is highly inheritable or not, or subsequent to physical trauma. Ask your doctor and if he/she doesn't know, ask for referal to a specialist who may know.
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