Myth and Truth About Epilepsy Testing in Children
Myth: No Medical Tests Can Predict Future Epilepsy Development
Truth: Genetic Testing Can Identify Risks
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that commonly affects children and adolescents. Contrary to the myth, medical tests can indeed help determine if a child is at risk of developing epilepsy in the future. While epilepsy is manageable through medication, young children diagnosed with the condition often have an underlying neuro-developmental disorder.
Recent research highlights the importance of genetic testing in prescreening young children for epilepsy. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics indicates that such testing can assist physicians in selecting the most effective treatment options to support healthy brain development.
Types of Genetic Tests for Epilepsy
The study reveals several types of genetic tests capable of identifying the likelihood of developing epilepsy. These include:
– Karyotyping
– Microarrays
– Epileptic gene panels
– Whole genome sequencing
Among these options, whole genome sequencing has shown significant promise, yielding an epileptic diagnosis in 33% of cases.
For further insights into genetic testing and its role in epilepsy diagnosis, click the link here.
Reference
Berg AT, Coryell J, Saneto RP, et al. Early-life epilepsies and the emerging role of genetic testing. JAMA Pediatr. 2017;171(9):863-871. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1743