- Mutations: a permanent change in the DNA sequence.
- De novo mutation: a mutation that occurs spontaneously when mistakes are made as DNA copies itself during cell division. If the mutation happens in sperms or eggs, then it can be passed to offspring. If it occurs anywhere else, it stays in our body cells, possibly causing cancer. Sometimes, it causes no harm.
- Hereditary mutation: a mutation inherited from a parent. It affects every cell in the offspring’s body.
- Monogenic: caused by single or multiple mutations of a single gene.
- Polygenic: caused by mutations of multiple genes.
- Genetic risk factors: factors that increase the likelihood of developing epilepsy, such as genetic background and environmental stress.
- Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE) includes: juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, epilepsy with myoclonic absences, epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) alone, febrile seizures (FS), febrile seizures plus (FS+), severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), and childhood absence epilepsy (CAE).
