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Higher risk of epilepsy in twins

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Abstract

The study explores the possibility of a higher risk of epilepsy in twins than in singletons. The concordance for epilepsy in MZ twins (66·7%) was higher than in DZ twins (12·5%), thus supporting the hypothesis of genetic predisposition. The incidence of epilepsy in twins is 46·7 per 1000 cotwins while in general population it varies from 3·6 to 10·38 per 1000. This shows that twins have appreciably higher risk of epilepsy than singletons. The present study suggests an association of the twinning phenomenon with a higher risk of epilepsy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, Punjab University, 160 014, Chandigarh

    Krishan Sharma

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  1. Krishan Sharma
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Sharma, K. Higher risk of epilepsy in twins. Indian J Pediatr 53, 515–519 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02749538

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