A medical expert, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, has explained that while brain seizure disorders—commonly known as epilepsy—can sometimes run in families, they are not always inherited genetically.
Speaking during an interview on public misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, Obindo – an academic with the University of Jos noted that seizures are a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can result from multiple factors beyond genetics.
“Some forms of epilepsy have a genetic component, meaning they may occur more frequently in certain families,” he explained. “However, that does not mean everyone with a family history will develop seizures, or that seizures are always inherited.”
According to him, many seizure cases are triggered by non-genetic factors such as head injuries, brain infections, complications during birth, stroke, tumors, or prolonged high fever in childhood.
Obindo emphasized that genetic epilepsy often involves inherited tendencies rather than a direct transfer of the disease itself. “In most cases, what is inherited is a vulnerability of the brain, not the condition in a fixed way,” he said.
He also addressed stigma surrounding people living with seizure disorders, stressing that epilepsy is not contagious and should not be associated with superstition or spiritual causes.
“Seizures are medical conditions that can be managed effectively with proper diagnosis, medication, and follow-up care,” Obindo stated. “Many people living with epilepsy lead productive and normal lives when they receive the right treatment.”
He urged individuals experiencing recurrent seizures or those with a family history of epilepsy to seek medical evaluation rather than relying on assumptions or misinformation.
Health advocates say increased public education is essential to reducing discrimination and encouraging early treatment, especially among young people who often suffer in silence due to fear of stigma.
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