Can epilepsy be pass thru generations in family?

Im a 23 Y/O as a kid I had epilepsy all the way till I turne 18 Y/O I had an EEG and I was Normal so I dont suffer from it no more, Im having my first Son within the next week and I will like to know the possibilities for him to be born with epilepsy too? how high are the possibilities of him being born with it?

[brainpain]

hi, i asked my neuro the same question. i have epilepsy and it started at around 13 for me. i was told it dont pass on to our kids.  i have 3 kids and none has any signs of epilepsy,13-9-6 is the ages of my kids.i have grand mal seizures , im the only one in my family on both sides with epilesy. i just wanted to let you know my experance. all 3 of my kids are very healthy and happy children. good luck on the birth of your son,and congrats!!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It is normal to be anxious about your son's chances of epilepsy if you had a history of this condition. Studies show that the risk is  less than 5% if either parent has epilepsy. If both parents have epilepsy, the risk is a bit higher. It is good to know that most children will not inherit epilepsy from a parent, but the chance of inheriting epilepsy is higher for some types. Epilepsy in which the seizures begin from both sides of the brain at the same time or primary generalized epilepsy is more likely to involve genetic factors than partial epilepsy, in which the seizures arise from a limited area of the brain.

Best wishes on your coming delivery! Take care and regards.

[Sisteranita3]

It was nice to see a reply from an MD as I have no "medical" knowledge about passing this disease on.  I can only say that in my immediate family I am the only one with Epilepsy.  I experienced seizures as an infant and not again until I was 25.  (I believe that my dad has some type of minor seizure, but it has never been discussed or medically disclosed)  I do have one cousin (on my father's side) who experiences seizures, grand mal like myself, but that is my only info on family issues.

I hope that both of you have wonderful experiences with your children and that they grow up healty & happy.

God Bless, Anita

[cascos21]

I want to say thanks to all of you that reply to my msgs my baby was born yesterday (veterans day 11nov he is a borned veteran im an Iraq veteran lol) and he is healthy and beautiful, no signs of epilepsy so far thanks to God! well thank ya'll again.