What is the recurrence risk for epilepsy in a first-degree relative?

The recurrence risk for epilepsy in a first-degree relative is indeed in the range of 2-5%. This figure is based on epidemiological studies that have shown that individuals with a family history of epilepsy have a higher likelihood of developing the condition compared to the general population.

First-degree relatives, such as siblings or children, share approximately 50% of their genetic material, which can increase their risk due to both genetic predispositions and shared environmental factors. Multiple studies suggest that the overall lifetime risk of developing epilepsy is around 1% in the general population, while this risk is elevated to 2-5% for first-degree relatives.

Understanding the genetics of epilepsy also points to the influence of both genetic and polygenic factors contributing to the risk, which further supports the 2-5% estimate rather than a higher figure like 10%. This context helps clarify the reasoning behind the chosen answer and aligns with established knowledge in genetic counseling and familial epilepsy.