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Epilepsy

Take the next step toward better care for epilepsy with exome testing

There may be a root cause for your seizures. Let us help you find it.

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Get a virtual consult

Through our partnership with Genome Medical, you can virtually meet with a board-certified genetic counselor and start the testing process from the comfort of your home.

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Work with your doctor

Genetic testing can feel like a big topic to bring up with your doctor. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident and prepared for the conversation.

Work with your doctor

Exome testing can often find answers that other tests 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 is right
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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

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.
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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

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

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

Common questions

Here are some common questions that can support your understanding of exome testing.

See all FAQs

Science that serves people

We’re scientists, but we’re also parents, siblings, and caregivers who understand how powerful an answer can be.