What is characteristic of the Sturge-Weber syndrome in relation to epilepsy?

Sturge-Weber syndrome is characterized by a neurological condition that often includes epilepsy, and it is specifically associated with mutations in the GNAQ gene. This gene plays a critical role in cellular signaling related to blood vessel development and function. In Sturge-Weber syndrome, the presence of this mutation leads to abnormal vascular formations, particularly in the face and brain, which can result in neurological complications, including seizures.

The connection between GNAQ mutations and the clinical symptoms of the syndrome, including the development of seizures, highlights the genetic basis of this condition, distinguishing it from other potential causes of epilepsy. Unlike conditions that are related to trauma or infections, Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder stemming from a genetic alteration that impacts brain structure and connectivity, enhancing the risk of epilepsy in affected individuals.