Background: Epilepsy is a widespread neurological condition with significant social and psychological consequences. In regions like Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia, where consanguineous marriages are prevalent, understanding the genetic factors contributing to epilepsy, including the role of consanguinity, is of great interest. This study aims to explore the types of epilepsy, associated risk factors, and the influence of consanguinity among patients Al-Jouf.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Mutaib Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Sakaka, Al-Jouf. The study included all patients diagnosed with epilepsy who attended the hospital’s neurology clinic or were admitted during the study period. Data were collected through structured interviews using a detailed questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.
Results: Seventy-two patients participated, with a majority being male (61.1%) and most over the age of 18 (79.2%). Idiopathic epilepsy was the most common etiology (72.2%), followed by symptomatic causes (27.8%). Significant risk factors included a family history of epilepsy (23%), head trauma (17%), and febrile seizures (14%). The association between parental consanguinity and epilepsy was minimal, without any statistically significant relationship.
Conclusion: Family history of epilepsy and head trauma are important risk factors in this population, while consanguinity appears to play a lesser role. These findings suggest that public health initiatives should focus on nongenetic factors, such as preventing head injuries while managing epilepsy in this region. Further research is warranted to explore the complex genetic and environmental interactions contributing to epilepsy.
Key words: Epilepsy, Risk Factors, Consanguinity, Seizure Triggers, Saudi Arabia, Cross-Sectional Study
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