Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is an uncommon form of epilepsy that runs in families. This disorder causes seizures that usually occur at night (nocturnally) while an affected person is sleeping. Some people with ADNFLE also have seizures during the day.
Mutations in the CHRNA2, CHRNA4, and CHRNB2 genes can cause ADNFLE. These genes provide instructions for making different parts (subunits) of a larger molecule called a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This receptor plays an important role in chemical signaling between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.
ADNFLE appears to be an uncommon form of epilepsy; its prevalence is unknown. This condition has been reported in more than 100 families worldwide.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to raise the risk of developing epilepsy. About 70 percent of people who inherit a mutation in the CHRNA2, CHRNA4, or CHRNB2 gene will develop seizures. In most cases, an affected person has one affected parent and other relatives with the condition. Other cases are described as sporadic, which means an affected person has no family history of the disorder.
Jennifer Langer is a Neurologist in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Langer has been practicing medicine for over 18 years and is rated as a Distinguished doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE). She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Seizures, Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE), Partial Seizure, and Memory Loss. Dr. Langer is currently accepting new patients.
Derek Bauer is a Neurologist in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Bauer has been practicing medicine for over 12 years and is rated as an Advanced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE). He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Epilepsy, Memory Loss, and Partial Seizure. Dr. Bauer is currently accepting new patients.
Ronald Lesser is a Neurologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Lesser has been practicing medicine for over 53 years and is rated as an Advanced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE). He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure, Memory Loss, and Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE). Dr. Lesser is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: April 01, 2009Published By: National Institutes of Health
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