Consanguinity and inherited epilepsies
- Author:
Satish Jain
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2011;16(Supplement 1):11-12
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
As a working defi nition, unions contracted between persons biologically related as second cousins or
closer are categorized as consanguineous. The offspring of consanguineous relationships are at greater
risk of certain genetic disorders. Recent studies have shown a signifi cantly higher rate of consanguinity
among parents of epilepsy patients and a signifi cantly higher rate of epilepsy among family members
with consanguineous marriages for both cryptogenic and idiopathic epilepsies. Carrier detection and
genetic counseling programmes have been very successful in reducing the incidence of inherited
disorders in many populations. Models for prevention of hereditary diseases due to consanguinity
should be multiaxial focusing on public education on genetic diseases and also deal with applicable
preventive measures. These programmes are most successful when they are sensitive to the cultural
backgrounds of populations in which they are applied.
- Full text:P020150821598173018557.pdf
