Epilepsy

Could Your Child’s Epilepsy Have a Genetic Cause?

Some forms of epilepsy have an underlying genetic cause. Understanding whether genetics may play a role can help families and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about care, treatment, and next steps.

Explore epilepsy testing options

Talk with your doctor

Knowing if there’s a genetic cause for epilepsy can make all the difference

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) recommends exome testing as a first-line option for patients with unexplained epilepsy², with support from the American Epilepsy Society (AES).

50%

Half of unexplained epilepsy cases likely have a genetic cause.³

80%

Up to 80% of patients with epilepsy had changes to their treatment plan after receiving a genetic diagnosis.³

90%

In some cases, patients had up to 90% fewer seizures after receiving a genetic diagnosis.³

How Testing Works

Genetic testing can help find answers other tests may miss

Multi-gene panels and chromosomal microarrays don’t capture the full picture. Many epilepsy panels only include about 43% of seizure-related genes¹. If you still don’t have answers after other genetic testing, exome testing may be the next best step.

See if genetic testing may help

Scientist wearing safety glasses and gloves working on a computer in a laboratory with a microscope and lab bottles nearby.

A genetic diagnosis can unlock more personalized care and support

Work with your doctor to create a care or treatment plan for your child’s individual needs.
Connect with individuals and families that have children with the same diagnosis for support from others in similar situations.
Search for clinical trials.
Get insurance coverage for medical equipment or therapies.

More accessible genetic testing for children with epilepsy

Cost should never stand in the way of answers. The Epilepsy Partnership Program was designed to help make testing an option, despite cost. If your doctor recommends exome testing for your child and they are eligible, this program may cover the cost—even if your insurance doesn’t or a claim gets denied.

Learn more about Epilepsy Answers

Real families. Real answers.

Meet Ben

“I would never wish those seven years I spent searching for a diagnosis on anyone. The sense of relief I finally got from finally getting a diagnosis was overwhelming. We found hope and a path forward.” —Ashley, Ben's mother

Meet Carlotta

“My advice to parents would be to try to get that information and push for exome sequencing as early as possible because the more information you have earlier, the more you’re potentially able to do and help your child’s long-term outcome.”—Andrea, Carlotta's mother

Meet Savannah

“There was an ounce of relief in [getting the diagnosis], because we had been waiting for answers and now we had them. We now had some sort of direction, too.” — Emily, Savannah's mother

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Meet Bodhi

“Getting a diagnosis was like having a direct prayer answered. Although we understood there was an uncharted road before us, we finally had a name, a diagnosis, and a way to conceptualize our experience with our son.”–May, Bodhi’s mother