Genetic testing in children with epilepsy

Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2013 Jun;19(3 Epilepsy):795-800. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000431393.39099.89.

Abstract

Genetic testing is now available clinically for several epilepsies. Neurologists increasingly face decisions about diagnostic testing in affected patients and should carefully deliberate the ethical considerations associated with genetic testing. The merits of ordering a genetic test are largely based on the utility for guiding clinical care, providing a prognosis, estimating recurrence risk, and identifying comorbidities. At the same time, a decision to pursue any genetic testing also requires evaluation of associated ethical concerns. This case illustrates ethical challenges that arise when considering genetic testing for a pediatric patient with epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Epilepsy / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Testing / ethics*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pediatrics / ethics*