[Genetically determined abnormal electrical activity of the brain and the heart]

Mutations leading to disorders within ion (mainly potassium and sodium) channels, have different degrees of expression in the brain and in the heart, which can cause simultaneous occurrence of disorders in both organs. This is manifested by the occurrence of epileptic seizures and cardiac electrical disturbances, further exacerbated by stimulation of autonomic structures within the central nervous system. In all patients with unclear paroxysmal disorders, and in those with unexplained sudden cardiac death, consideration should be given to the possibility of occurrence of genetically determined disorders in the ion channels. This article concerns the most common genetically determined epilepsy syndromes and genetically determined cardiac diseases.