The Significance of Heredity in Epilepsy Patients Studied in Ganja City

Abstract

Introduction. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease with a multifactorial etiology. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare hereditary anamnesis indicators in epilepsy patients during the periods 2005–2009 and 2019–2023. Method. In this retrospective analysis, medical records of a total of 650 patients who visited the clinic during both periods were examined. Heredity was assessed in four categories and studied by gender: patients with no family history of epilepsy, those with epilepsy in first-degree relatives, second-degree relatives, and third-degree relatives. Gender differences were evaluated using the Pearson Chi-square test. Results. In 2005–2009, patients with no relatives diagnosed with epilepsy constituted 65.2%, those with first-degree relatives affected accounted for 20.2%, with second-degree relatives affected—8.1%, and with third-degree relatives affected—6.5%. In 2019–2023, patients with no relatives diagnosed with epilepsy accounted for 54.9%, those with first-degree relatives affected—29.6%, with second-degree relatives affected—14.3%, and with third-degree relatives affected—1.2%. No statistically significant difference was observed between genders (p>0.05). Conclusion. Over time, positive family histories among epilepsy patients have increased. This may be related to improved detection of genetic factors and more precise family history assessments.