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PEATC NEWS

June, 2022

Pediatric Epilepsy Advanced Technologies Clinic (PEATC)

Upcoming events

Nov 4, 2022 - Pediatric Epilepsy Conference

  • Save the date for the 2022 Pediatric Epilepsy Conference presented by Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital
  • Free registration (more info coming soon)
  • In-person and virtual options

Genetics in epilepsy can improve patient care


The role of genetics in epilepsy is rapidly expanding. Over 800 genes have been identified as causes of epilepsy and that number continues to grow.
In a growing number of cases, understanding genetic causes can result in:
  • more targeted treatments for a child's epilepsy
  • important guidance for family planning
Genetic testing can identify the cause of epilepsy in up to 50% of cases of drug-resistant epilepsy with a previously unknown cause.
Through PEATC our pediatric neurologists, geneticists and genetic counselors work together to determine appropriate genetic testing and/or review prior outside testing. 

We use this information to determine if we can gain a greater understanding of the underlying cause of the epilepsy to target treatment more specific to the individual.

Clinically available tests include:
  • Chromosomal microarray
  • Gene Panels
  • Whole Exome Sequencing
An eye to the future...
 
Genetic testing is increasingly helpful in determining how an individual may metabolize antiseizure medications (pharamacogenetics) and will ultimately help with determining other modifiers of epilepsy, such as susceptibility genes for status epilepticus.

Future directions, including Whole Genome Sequencing, will result in a still higher yield of diagnostic testing.

Gene therapy is on the horizon for conditions such as Dravet syndrome, Rett syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency disorder.

Meet the provider - Judy Weisenberg, MD

Dr. Weisenberg is an Associate Professor of Neurology and board-certified Epileptologist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO.

She is the co-director of the Rett Spectrum Clinic at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She is also leading efforts to advance neurogenetics within the Pediatric Neurology Division. 
Dr. Weisenberg, born in Pensacola, FL, and raised in Minneapolis, MN, received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Barnard College in New York City and her medical degree from the University of Minnesota. She completed a Pediatric Residency at the University of Minnesota and a Child Neurology Residency and Neurophysiology Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She joined the faculty in 2009.
Her clinical interests include the entire spectrum of pediatric epilepsy, with a particular focus on drug-resistant and genetic epilepsies. 

Her academic interests involve the genetics of epilepsy and Rett spectrum disorders, with a particular focus on CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
Dr. Weisenberg particularly enjoys working with PEATC patients as it gives her an opportunity to use all modalities of treatment to improve epilepsy care. 
When not at work or spending time with her family, she enjoys reading fiction. 

Highlighted Publications

About Us

The Pediatric Epilepsy Advanced Technologies Clinic (PEATC) is a specialty concierge clinic at the Washington University NAEC-accredited Level 4 Pediatric Epilepsy Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

PEATC offers the highest level of care for children and young adults with treatment-resistant epilepsy providing support and resources to improve quality of life and seizure management through reduction or elimination of seizures.
For more information or to refer
Contact: Sara Graves, BSN, RN, Nurse Navigator
314-454-6120 (phone)
314-747-6262 (fax)
 
peatc@wustl.edu (email)
http://www.twitter.com/@WashUEpilepsy
https://pediatricneurology.wustl.edu/clinical-care/pediatric-epilepsy-advanced-technologies-clinic-peatc/
peatc@wustl.edu


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