Each presents a target for developing new and better drugs. In the past year, scientists discovered a new class of mutations that lead to epilepsy. When mutated, these genes cause global, catastrophic brain malformations or more subtle defects involving only small groups of neurons. The more subtle defects, revealed by new, high resolution brain imaging, are far more common than previously suspected, and may explain many seizures previously categorized as of unknown cause. As is the case for many inherited diseases, more than one gene may be involved in susceptibility to seizures.
Epilepsy is an excellent place to begin a analysis of multigenic disorders.
We are optimistic that the time is right to eliminate epilepsy rather than simply minimize the symptoms. A new study suggested that more than 700,000 strokes occur each year in the United States, far more than previously suspected. Still, most people, especially the elderly who are at high risk, cannot identify the symptoms of stroke. These treatments are costly, but, in the long run, save money by reducing long-term disability. We continue to search for new approaches for preventing stroke and for minimizing, or reversing, the damage that does occur.