The historical development of genetic epilepsy diagnosis

Genetic testing has increasingly gained importance for diagnosing epilepsy disorders. Currently, the underlying genetic cause can be identified in a significant proportion of patients within an appropriate time and at reasonable costs. In numerous cases, it thus provides diagnostic certainty and influences treatment. Knowing the genetic cause of a disorder allows for conclusions on the true phenotypic spectrum, the course and inheritance, and occasionally it influences the choice of therapy. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.