Inheritance in genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus is typically autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance, although other inheritance patterns are recognized (see PCDH19 for example). Complex inheritance may also occur.
A number of genes have been linked to this epilepsy syndrome including: SCN1A, SCN1B, GABRG2 and PCDH19.
Family members in affected families may have febrile seizures, febrile seizures plus, genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, however more severe syndromes (such as Dravet syndrome or epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures) may occur due to common genetic etiologies for these different syndromes.