Causes of epilepsies: Insights from discordant monozygous twins

Abstract

Whereas some patients with epilepsy have known acquired or genetic causes, in many the cause is unknown. By analyzing monozygotic twins, discordant for epilepsy, subtle etiological factors may be detected. We analyzed 12 monozygotic, discordant twins for factors explaining discordancy. These factors were presence of major clinical risk factors, presence of possibly epileptogenic lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and quantitative brain volume abnormalities. Major risk factors, with associated acquired lesions were found in 4 of 12 twins. An MRI lesion without a major risk factor was found in a further 4 of 12 twins. Two of these had unilateral malformations of cortical develo..