The hidden genetics of epilepsy—a clinically important new paradigm

The aetiology of most epilepsies used to be regarded as unknown, but in the past few years, massively parallel gene-sequencing techniques and clinical genetic studies have revealed that many forms of epilepsy—including those formerly labelled as idiopathic or acquired—are likely to have a genetic basis. Increased understanding of the genetic architecture of epilepsies has important implications for genetic testing, treatment selection and counselling. Furthermore, understanding the genetic background of epilepsies can guide neurobiological research for novel therapies.

Nature Reviews Neurology 2014