Chapter 87 – Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common, serious neurological condition affecting about 50 million people across the world. Its consequences can pervade every aspect of a person’s life. The healthcare burdens epilepsy generates are sizeable. Whilst there has been remarkable, well-documented progress in many rare familial syndromes, the genetic contribution to most cases remains unknown. Recent studies suggest that rare, rather than common, genetic variation may in fact account for genetic causation. Indications from a few rare types of epilepsy are that knowledge of the genetic involvement can lead to improved treatment outcomes. With next-generation sequencing, the scene is set for a remarkable period of discovery and progress, with resultant benefits for people with epilepsy.