Genetic testing for familial epilepsies: Diagnostic yield and genetic findings.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-8-2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Genetic testing has become a routine part of clinical epilepsy care. Family history is an indication for genetic testing, but the diagnostic yield, predictors of a genetic diagnosis, and association with familial patterns are not well understood.
METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of genetic testing performed at pediatric and adult epilepsy genetics clinics. Eligible patients (probands) had epilepsy and one or more first-degree relatives or two or more other relatives with epilepsy. Genetic testing strategies were patient specific, reflecting real-world clinical practice. Familial patterns were classified based on affected relatives of the proband. Diagnostic variants were tested in the proband's parents when possible.
RESULTS: We studied 484 probands and their families. A genetic diagnosis was identified in 99 of 484 (20%). Predictors of a genetic diagnosis were presence of neurodevelopmental disorder (X
SIGNIFICANCE: Familial epilepsy has a substantial rate of genetic diagnosis and is an appropriate indication for genetic testing. Pedigree-related factors did not influence the likelihood of genetic diagnosis, suggesting that all families can be considered for genetic testing, independent of inheritance patterns and number of affected relatives. Familial patterns can help interpret genetic test results, while also revealing the complexities of incomplete penetrance and independent epilepsy etiologies in families.
ISSN
1528-1167
Published In/Presented At
Ellis, C. A., Copeland, J., Velez, I., Oliver, K. L., Shalaby, H., Baldwin, A., Armstrong, C., Back, A., Berlin, B., Cohen, S., Cuddapah, V. A., deCampo, D., Dubbs, H., Ginn, N., Harrison, A. G., Lewin, N., Lusk, L., Marsh, E. D., Massey, S. L., McDonnell, P. P., … Helbig, I. (2026). Genetic testing for familial epilepsies: Diagnostic yield and genetic findings. Epilepsia, 10.1002/epi.70160. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/epi.70160
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
41795712
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article