Mutations in several genes have
been linked to some types of epilepsy.
Several genes have been associated with
forms of generalized epilepsy and
infantile seizure syndromes. Several s
have been linked to some types of
frontal and generalized epilepsies.
Epilepsy-related mutations in some
genes have also been identified.
One interesting finding in animals is
that repeated low-level electrical
stimulation to some brain sites can
lead to permanent increases in seizure
susceptibility: in other words, a
permanent decrease in seizure
"threshold." This phenomenon, known as
kindling (by analogy with the use of
burning twigs to start a larger fire)
was discovered by Dr. Graham Goddard in
1967.
Chemical stimulation can also induce
seizures; repeated exposures to some
pesticides have been shown to
induce seizures in both humans and
animals. One mechanism proposed for
this is called excitotoxicity. The
roles of kindling and excitotoxicity,
if any, in human epilepsy are currently
hotly debated.
Other causes of epilepsy are brain
lesions, where there is scar tissue
or another abnormal mass of tissue in
an area of the brain.

