Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association – Shedding a light on epilepsy

Researchers from the Penn State University in the US have found an ancient gene family that plays a role in controlling the excitability of nerves within the brain.

The gene, Kv12.2, affects the excitability of nerves within the brain. The scientists used EEG to monitor the brains of mice, and found those without Kv12.2 had frequent seizures with no convulsions, while normal mice had a higher convulsive seizure threshold. They then blocked the Kv12.2 gene in the normal mice and had the exact same results.

It is thought that the finding could open the door to further epilepsy research in this area and possibly new treatments in time.