Different Characteristics between the Generalized and Partial Epilepsy Based on the Family History of Epilepsy

In etiology of epilepsy, different factors have role and one of them is genetics. This study aimed to investigate the differences between generalized and partial epilepsy based on the family history. The patients with epilepy admitted in the epilepsy clinics of Kashani and Alzahra Hospitals, Isfahan, Iran, during the years 2009-2013, enrolled in this cross-sectional retrospective study. Demographic data of these patients were gathered with a questionnaire form. First and secondary degree family history of patients was determined. The epilepsy was diagnosed by an experienced neurologist using history and physical exam and was confirmed with brain computed tomography (CT) scan and electroencephalogram (EEG). There was a positive correlation between the partial epilepsy and positive family history of epilepsy (P = 0.046) but not in generalized epilepsy (P = 0.098). There was significant correlation between abnormal brain CT scan, abnormal EEG, sex, marriage and education with negative family history of epilepsy in both generalized and partial epilepsy; although, the duration of seizure in patients with partial epilepsy who had secondary degree positive family history was significantly more than the others (P < 0.001). According to positive correlation between partial epilepsy and family history of epilepsy, more molecular and epidemiological researches would be recommended to be be arranged for determination of the the role of genetic factors in epilepsy.