Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Can cousins both get inherit epilepsy?
Thu, 02/02/2006 - 04:13Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
I am wondering if cousins can both inherit epilepsy. I have a cousin who has epilepsy.
I am 38 years old. I have recently started having problems with my arms and legs jerking and twitching when I try to go to sleep. The jerking and twitching have been particularly bad of late. I went off the anti-anxiety drug, Xanax a week ago. My sleeping problem has become worse as a result. I went on the Xanax after experiencing anxiety around the time of my surgery. I have hypertension and had my kidney removed in October, 2005.
I have not yet gone to my doctor about this as I do not have medical insurance. I was put on medication for petite mal seizures in 1992. The seizures went away after awhile. Is it possible for seizures to return? I am currently taking medication for hypertension, depression, asthma, thyroid and seasonal allergies.
I know I am asking a lot of questions but I am exhausted and need your opinions.
Thank You,
Sunny
Comments
Re: Re: Can cousins both get inherit epilepsy?
Submitted by happycat2 on Thu, 2006-02-09 - 18:44
Hi sunny.
Wonder no longer, for the answer is yes cousins can have inherited epilepsy. Inherited epilepsy is in my family, I have epilepsy, so do two nephews. One factor we discussed between us was the genetic closeness of it. After talking to your family members which does help, as always, you really need to talk to a doctor about this. I can't stress that enough. The next step should be talking over any questions you have with your family physician, or genetic counselor. I appreciate right now that's not a possibility, and you are tired and need rest, and why that is. What is known about it is many different factors influence the chance that relatives of people with epilepsy will also have seizures. First-degree relatives-parents, brothers, sisters, and children-are at greater risk than more distant relatives such as aunts, uncles, or cousins. The clinical features of the epilepsy, including age at onset of seizures and epilepsy type have also been shown to affect the risk to relatives. The number of other people with epilepsy in the family also affects risk-the more people with epilepsy in the immediate family, the higher the risk that epilepsy will develop in another close family member.
Along with the suggestion in this thread, I would add when you feel up to it try and keep the risk factor in mind, maybe do some more research on this. Your research should include causes of myoclonic jerking, different factors of inherited epilepsy, and emotional triggers. Try and get as much rest as you can until then, eat well is another suggestion (plenty of vegetables.) along with cutting back on any caffeine intake to reduce the hypertension.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myoclonus/detail_myoclonus.htm
Hang in there, and stay positive and upbeat.
Cat.
Re: Re: Re: Can cousins both get inherit epilepsy?
Submitted by CG on Wed, 2006-02-15 - 17:21
Hi,
I inherited my condition. My father's first cousin on his father's side had epilepsy. There have also been stories about accidents occurring in the woods or a sauna, which had leads me to believe that a seizure occurred, triggering accidents, and because it was the early 20th Century and late 19th Century, nothing could be done to save these relatives. I do not know of anyone else in my generation who has epilepsy, or any of my third cousins children inheriting the condition. My brother and sister-in-law put all their children on a high fat diet when they were young.
CG
Re: Can cousins both get inherit epilepsy?
Submitted by angel_lts on Thu, 2006-02-02 - 08:51
Sunny, Yes cousins can inherited epilepsy. But you have several issues that can cause the jerking too. Low magnesium, calcium and low on b vitamins can cause the jerking too. But were you checked for epilepsy. EEG, MRI, and cat scan, were these done? Any of these other meds can have a reaction like that too. Take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/