On the genetics of complex partial seizures: waking and sleep EEGs in siblings.

Waking and sleep EEGs were recorded in 29 siblings of 19 patients with complex partial seizures. At least 1 sibling with epileptic activity (EA) was found for 36.8% of the patients. Taking the 29 siblings as a basis, in 7 EA was recorded. Most EA was seen during sleep in stage C (29%). More EA was recorded in female siblings (28%: 18%) and in siblings of female patients (56%: 20%). All EA was seen in the age range 5-14 years. Siblings with occipital theta-delta activity with a generalization tendency showed more EA (59%) than those without this pattern (8%). Of the siblings of patients with generalized EA 50% showed EA, but only 25% of those of patients with localized EEG patterns.