New genetic mutations associated
with epilepsy have been identified through the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project.
The $25 million genetic research project involved 150 scientists from 40
institutions dispersed over three continents. Researchers focused on 4,000
patients with epileptic encephalopathies, the most severe form of epilepsy
which affects about one in 2,000 kids. 264 kids were identified whose seizures
were not caused by more identifiable causes of epilepsy (such as strokes at
birth). The genomes of these individuals were then compared to their
non-epileptic family members. This identified disease causing mutations in at
least six genes, including two new ones. Read more at http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57598179/researchers-find-new-epilepsy-genes-hope-treatments-will-follow/
