A press release on this finding from the Annals of Neurology is attached. Epilepsy research is benefiting from an explosion in the field of genetics. While other genes have been linked to uncommon forms of febrile seizures, this gene is linked to febrile seizures that resemble those seen in the general population. Identification of large families such as the one in Utah enables researchers to map genes to specific chromosomes and eventually to discover the genes themselves, thus contributing to understanding underlying disease mechanisms.
Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures.
Since they may be associated with the development of seizures and epilepsy later in life, discovery of the responsible gene or genes has important implications for designing new drugs and therapies. Researchers Locate Childhood Fever Seizure Gene 1. Annals of Neurology , Vol. 46, October 1999, pp.