Genetic epidemiology of epilepsy or what do we tell families?

Abstract

Over the past few decades, epidemiologic and molecular research has transformed the field of epilepsy genetics. In this review, we discuss the ways in which accumulating evidence on the genetics of epilepsy and febrile seizures can inform health care practitioners advising patients and families with epilepsy. We will review the epidemiologic data from twin and family studies, and illustrate how it can be used to guide genetic counseling. Although there have been many exciting advances in the last few decades-both molecular and epidemiologic-what we have learned has not appreciably changed what we tell families, and what we tell them can remain reassuring.