5th Dianalund International Conference on Epilepsy

Implementing Epilepsy Genetics in Clinical Practice

Comwell Klarskovgaard in Korsør, Denmark

7 - 8 April 2022

ILAE Curriculum Learning Objectives addressed by this course

5th Dianalund International Conference on Epilepsy - Course evaluation

In the last years, a great wealth of studies have demonstrated that genetic factors have a strong role in the etiology of epilepsy. Variants in genes encoding ion channels, receptors and other proteins involved in the neuronal biology have been recognized in different epileptic conditions. Genetic testing has become a more and more essential part of the clinical practice in epilepsy. It helps in reaching an etiological diagnosis, providing prognostic information, guiding more precisely therapy possibly targeting in the near future the underlying dysfunctional pathophysiological mechanisms, or also avoiding drugs that may worsen the seizures.

In this conference, we intend to discuss the current role of genetics in areas of clinical practice where a debate is still ongoing and in which further knowledge is necessary. We will discuss the yields of genetic testing in adult epilepsy patients, and how this diagnostic tool can lead to better management and be relevant in the transition from pediatric to adult care. The methodology necessary to perform clinical studies in rare conditions and how these studies in limited cohorts of subjects can be crucial for the development of targeted drugs will be illustrated. Moreover, the role in this endeavour of patients’ associations, international epilepsy networks and registries will be debated. Finally, the evidences suggesting that genetics can have an impact in selecting epilepsy surgery candidates and can inform on post-surgical prognosis will be presented. Case-presentations from the audience will complete this conference. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize how the collaboration of epileptologists, geneticists and patients’ representatives can be instrumental to further improve epilepsy diagnosis and management.


List proposed faculty: Guido Rubboli, Rikke S. Møller, Elena Gardella, Mads Ravnborg, Katrine Johannesen, Rima Nabbout, Danielle Andrade, Holger Lerche, Victorio DeFelippe, Ann Poduri, Renzo Guerrini, Alexis Arzimanoglou, Philippe Ryvlin, Kees Braun, Eleonora Aronica, Reetta Kalvianinen, Francesca Sofia, Torie Robinson

Target Audience: Epileptologists, Child Neurologists, Geneticists, Clinical Neurophysiologists