IEC 2021 | The need for research into the genetics of epileptic patients

Anca Arbune, MD, PhD, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, discusses how genetics is an up and rising topic in the field of epilepsy in adults. Currently, the genetics of epilepsy in adult patients is poorly understood and frequently misinterpreted. Whole-genome sequencing is now available to be recommended to patients, which is important as it might have an impact on their treatment. For example, there are cases where specific anti-epileptic drugs make patients have a poor quality of life due to poor seizure control and understanding their genetic make-up may help improve their treatment. The hope is to see more experts recommend this process to epilepsy patients, especially adult patients, in the future.This interview took place during the 34th International Epilepsy Congress, 2021.