This report describes general characteristics of the group of diseases classified as familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF). FFEVF is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, with multiple genes and mapped loci. A list of FFEVF subtypes, as defined by OMIM, can be found by following the link in the "OMIM phenotypic series" section, below.
[updated Feb. 2025 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]
Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) is an uncommon form of recurrent seizures (epilepsy) that runs in families. Seizures associated with FFEVF can begin at any time from infancy to adulthood. The seizures are described as focal or partial, which means they begin in one region of the brain and do not cause a loss of consciousness. [MedlinePlus, Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci; 2025.02.19]
Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) is a form of epilepsy characterized by focal seizures arising from different cortical regions, including the temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. A subset of patients have structural brain abnormalities, particularly focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) (summary by Ricos et al., 2016; pubmed:26505888). [from MIM:617118; 2025.02.19]
Subtypes described to date exhibit autosomal dominant inheritance; incomplete penetrance is frequently observed. [from MIM:617118; 2025.02.19]