Genetics of Rolandic Epilepsy
Genetics of Rolandic Epilepsy
The purpose of this study is to find the genes that cause Rolandic epilepsy and its related
 traits.
Rolandic epilepsy (RE) is the most common type of childhood epilepsy-affecting more than
 50,000 children in the United States-and has a complex genetic inheritance. The seizure
 prognosis is relatively benign, however, many children with RE also have problems with speech
 and language, reading, and motor coordination. Symptoms of the disorder overlap with more
 severe types of epilepsy.

 The purpose of this study is to find the genes that influence RE and its related traits.
 Identifying genetic causes for the variants would improve diagnosis and allow for early
 intervention.

 Researchers will enroll 1000 children with RE and 3000 controls for participation in the
 study. The scientists will request medical histories and (salivary) DNA samples from the
 participants. Participation can be completed by mail and telephone.

 Results from this study should provide important information regarding diagnosis and
 prognosis of RE, may be useful in clinical management, and, eventually, may lead to a cure
 for this and other forms of epilepsy.
Inclusion:

 -  typical history of focal seizures

 -  EEG centrotemporal sharp waves

 -  age of onset 3-12 years

 -  no previous epilepsy type (febrile seizures OK)

 -  normal development

 -  normal neurological examination

 -  normal MRI/CT (if done)

 Exclusion:

 -  only history of secondary generalized seizures

 -  atypical history/semiology

 -  history and EEG inconsistent

 -  abnormal EEG background

 -  very early (<3yrs) or late (>12yrs) onset

 -  global neurodevelopmental deficit

 -  deviant neurodevelopment

 -  structural imaging abnormality