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Background:

Genetic etiology has been proposed for both idiopathic epilepsy and dermatoglyphics. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to find out the existence of any correlation between dermatoglyphics and idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Objective of current study was to find out an association, if any, between dermatoglyphic patterns of hands in idiopathic generalized epilepsy of both sexes.

Methods:

The study was conducted in the department of anatomy and department of neurology, Himalayan institute of medical sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun. Fingertip patterns (whorls, loops, arches) and Main line (A, B, C, D) terminations were analysed by utilizing finger and palmar prints.

Results:

The present study showed a significant decrease in whorls and an increase in arches in both the hands of male and female IGE patients. Loops were increased in both hands of female patients. Main line D was mostly confined to sectors 11, 9 and 7 in both sexes among the cases and controls. Main line C terminated quite often in sectors 9 & 7 in males and females of the case series. Main line B terminated most frequently in sectors 5'' & 7 in control and case groups. Main line A terminated most frequently in sector 5' in males and females.

Conclusion:

Therefore, we can conclude and hypothesize merely by observing decrease in the whorl and increase in the arch patterns in the fingerprints (as observed in the present study) that persons with high risk of idiopathic generalized epilepsy can be identified early and preventive measures can be taken against serious complications.