[Current prospects of genetics in epilepsy diagnostics--when and what?].
Genetic factors have been estimated to affect the development of epilepsy in as many as 40% of the patients. Several genes have been identified underlying rare epileptic syndromes. Most epilepsies are most likely caused by a combined effect of several genes and environmental factors, and the genetic background of these diseases remains to be largely unknown. In practice, DNA diagnostics is possible only in a small proportion of epilepsy patients. In some cases gene testing is, however, an essential tool in diagnosis, e.g. facilitating the planning of pharmacological therapy for the patient's epilepsy.
Uusimaa
Johanna
J
lasten ja nuorten klinikka, lastenneurologian yksikkö ja Kliinisen tutkimuksen keskus, Oulun yliopistollinen sairaala.
Gaily
Eija
E
Ignatius
Jaakko
J
Lehesjoki
Anna-Elina
AE
D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans