The Genetic Epilepsy in Adults Network (GEAN) is revolutionizing how adult epilepsy is understood and treated, aiming to close the historical gap between pediatric and adult care.
Story Overview
- GEAN aims to standardize genetic testing in adult epilepsy clinics.
- Current guidelines and testing advancements are reshaping adult epilepsy care.
- New initiatives could drastically improve treatment outcomes for adults.
- GEAN fosters collaboration to address complex genetic epilepsy cases.
Bridging the Gap in Epilepsy Care
While pediatric epilepsy care has embraced genetic testing, adult clinics have lagged behind, often leaving adult patients without the benefits of a genetic diagnosis. The formation of the Genetic Epilepsy in Adults Network (GEAN), supported by the American Epilepsy Society (AES), marks a pivotal step toward changing this landscape. GEAN’s mission is to standardize genetic testing practices across North American adult epilepsy clinics, a move that promises to revolutionize patient care and outcomes.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Historically, genetic diagnostics have been more common in pediatric cases due to their higher diagnostic yield. However, many genetic epilepsies present or persist into adulthood, highlighting the need for adult-focused genetic testing. GEAN’s efforts to close this gap involve building comprehensive databases, conducting adult phenotype studies, and educating healthcare providers on the benefits of genetic testing for adult patients.
Advancements in Genetic Testing
Recent advancements in genetic testing for epilepsy have been remarkable. Exome sequencing, endorsed by the AES and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), is now recommended as a first-line diagnostic tool for unexplained cases. This approach has shown that up to 80% of patients experience improved treatment options, with seizure reductions of up to 90% post-diagnosis. These results underscore the transformative potential of genetic testing in managing adult epilepsy.
Blueprint Genetics’ comprehensive epilepsy panel further illustrates the progress in this field. Covering genes such as SCN1A and GRIN2A, these panels are crucial for identifying conditions like Dravet syndrome. With the GEAN consortium’s support, such panels are becoming more accessible to adult patients, facilitating personalized treatment plans that can significantly enhance quality of life.
Current Developments and Future Outlook
Since its formalization and funding in late 2025, GEAN has been making strides in implementing its goals. One of the immediate priorities is establishing a robust database infrastructure to enhance testing yield and study adult phenotypes. This groundwork is crucial for understanding the natural history of rare genetic epilepsies that persist into adulthood. The 2025 AES Annual Meeting highlighted these initiatives, with discussions on the latest testing developments signaling momentum in this critical area.
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Looking ahead, the landscape of adult epilepsy care is set for dramatic changes. Predictions for 2026 suggest widespread adoption of genetic testing for newly diagnosed and drug-resistant cases, driven by ongoing advancements and the potential for precision medicine. GEAN’s efforts are crucial in overcoming barriers such as provider unfamiliarity and ensuring that adult epilepsy care keeps pace with pediatric advancements.
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