Etiology genetic etiology true The concept of genetic epilepsy is that the epilepsy is, as best we understand, the direct result of a known or presumed genetic defect(s) in which seizures are the core symptom of the disorder. The genetic defect may arise at a chromosomal or molecular level. It is important to emphasize that "genetic" does not mean the same as "inherited" as de novo mutations are not uncommon. Having a genetic etiology does not preclude an environmental contribution to the epilepsy. http://www.case.edu/EpSO.owl#GeneticDefect Genetic Defect