Clinical Practice of Genetic Epilepsies 2024 Conference

May or June 2024
Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building IMM 104
Beth Robertson Auditorium
1825 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030

Genetic testing is becoming more important in tailoring treatments for epilepsy. It’s crucial for neurologists to grasp the subtleties of genetic variants, as this knowledge is essential for genetic counseling, predicting patient outcomes, and providing effective care. The recognition of many epilepsy types as genetically driven is on the rise. Concurrently, our understanding of the clinical manifestations associated with each genetically defined epilepsy disorder is growing. As a result, care tailored to specific genetic variants is becoming more sophisticated and intricate. To provide the best care for genetic epilepsies, staying current with the latest research on personalized care methods, considering clinical trials as potential treatments, fostering strong partnerships between researchers and clinicians, and encouraging patient participation are all crucial. Consequently, the distinction between research and clinical practice may become indistinct, highlighting the need for careful ethical considerations.

Please save the date and join us for the Clinical Practice of Genetic Epilepsies 2024 Conference, a comprehensive meeting that brings together experts from various fields to delve into the latest developments in the understanding, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment of genetic epilepsies. This event will feature a number of insightful sessions designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees.

Through a series of expert lectures, interactive case studies, and attendee research presentations, participants will gain practical experience in effectively integrating the ACMG guidelines, clinical knowledge, and bioinformatic resources for comprehensive genetic test interpretations.

Register here to secure your spot. Space is limited. Submission of Abstracts is encouraged. All attendees can present a poster. Selected Abstracts will have the opportunity to present their research as a talk at the Conference.

Information about the event is below. Please check back often, as we will continue adding information.

If you would to ask a question, please email us here.

Target Audience

This Conference is tailored for people with interest in epilepsy genetics including neurologists, geneticists, genetic counselors, students, postdoctoral scholars, clinical scientists, and principal investigators working with clinical genetic data. Participants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply to foster cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

Preliminary Agenda

Session 1 – Which epilepsies are genetic?

  • Established and clinically screenable: Explore the genetic basis of well-defined epileptic syndromes and learn how to identify them in clinical practice.
  • New findings from research: Stay up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in genetic epilepsy research, including emerging genetic associations.

Session 2 – Clinical genetic testing in epilepsies

  • Standard of care: Gain insights into the current standards for genetic testing in epilepsy diagnosis.
  • Research genetic screening technologies: Explore cutting-edge technologies that hold promise for enhancing genetic testing accuracy and efficiency.

Session 3 – Basic & advanced clinical variant classification in epilepsies

  • What are the variant interpretation guidelines?: Dive into the guidelines and criteria used to classify genetic variants in epilepsy.
  • How to improve genetic test interpretation using clinical information: Learn strategies to enhance variant interpretation by incorporating clinical data.
  • How to improve genetic test interpretation using online resources: Discover online tools and resources that aid in variant classification.

Session 4 – Cutting-edge variant classification in research:

  • Delve deeper into advanced techniques and methodologies for variant classification in research settings.

Session 5 – From a pathogenic variant to phenotype

  • Best practices of genetic test-informed prognosis and tailored care: Explore how genetic information can guide treatment decisions and prognosis in epilepsy.
  • Novel genotype-phenotype associations from research: Stay informed about the latest research findings linking specific genetic variants to epilepsy phenotypes.

Session 6 – Genetic counseling in epilepsy

  • Best practice guidelines: Gain insights into the best practices for genetic counseling pre- and post-ordering a test in the context of epilepsy.
  • Genetic epilepsy type-specific counseling: Learn how to tailor genetic counseling to the specific needs of individuals with different types of genetic epilepsies.

Session 7 – Other research presentations

  • Engage with a diverse array of research presentations, providing valuable insights into various aspects of genetic epilepsies.

Session 8 – Genetic test-informed referral to other specialties

  • When to refer: Understand the criteria for referring patients to other specialties such as occupational therapy, ophthalmology and other specialists.
  • Examples where referrals improve the quality of patients’ lives: Hear real-life cases where referrals and care of non-neurological symptoms improved the patient’s quality of life.

Session 9 – Genetic test-informed therapies

  • New and upcoming drugs for genetic epilepsies: Stay updated on the latest pharmacological and biotechnological advancements in the treatment of genetic epilepsies.
  • New findings from research: Explore promising research breakthroughs in therapeutic approaches for genetic epilepsies.

Note: The agenda is subject to change, and additional speakers and sessions may be added. Stay tuned for updates!

How to Apply

Due to space constraints, we can only accept a limited number of participants. To secure your spot, please register through our online form. Briefly describe your background and motivations for attending the workshop in the application. The organizing committee will review applications, and selected participants will receive confirmation via email.

Prerequisites

All participants must bring a laptop to engage in hands-on exercises and practical sessions actively. No programming experience is required, making this workshop accessible to individuals from various expertise levels.

CME Credit

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Continuing Medical Education credits are planned for this event. Please check back, as we will update the maximum number of possible credits soon.

If you have any questions about this event, please email us here.