Genetic epidemiology of epilepsy or what do we tell families?

Over the past few decades, epidemiologic and molecular research has transformed the field of epilepsy genetics. This review discusses the ways in which accumulating evidence on the genetics of epilepsy and febrile seizures can inform healthcare practitioners advising patients and families with epilepsy. The epidemiologic data used to guide genetic counseling will be reviewed. Although there have been many exciting advances in the last few decades-both molecular and epidemiologic-what we have learned has not appreciably changed what we tell families, and what we tell them can remain reassuring.