Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus
Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a familial epilepsy syndrome characterized by a spectrum of seizure types, including febrile seizures and afebrile seizures. It is a genetic disorder that typically begins in infancy or early childhood and can persist into adulthood.
Clinical Features[edit | edit source]
GEFS+ is marked by a variety of seizure types:
- Febrile seizures: Seizures associated with fever, typically occurring in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures: Seizures that involve the entire body, characterized by muscle rigidity and convulsions.
- Myoclonic seizures: Brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles.
- Absence seizures: Brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness.
Genetics[edit | edit source]
GEFS+ is primarily inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning a single copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Several genes have been implicated in GEFS+, including:
Mutations in these genes affect the function of ion channels, which are crucial for the proper transmission of electrical signals in the brain.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of GEFS+ is based on clinical evaluation, family history, and genetic testing. Electroencephalography (EEG) may show generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave discharges.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for GEFS+ typically involves antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to control seizures. The choice of medication depends on the type of seizures and the patient's response to treatment. Commonly used AEDs include:
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with GEFS+ varies. Some individuals may experience a reduction in seizure frequency or even remission, while others may continue to have seizures into adulthood. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing the condition.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Epilepsy
- Febrile seizures
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
- Myoclonic seizure
- Absence seizure
- SCN1A
- SCN1B
- GABRG2
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
