Idiopathic and symptomatic forms of genetic epilepsy

According to the new classification of the epilepsies proposed in 2017 by The International League Against Epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsies  are recommended to refer  to genetic epilepsy,  suggesting to consider  the term “idiopathic” as outdated. In connection with this, a tendency arose to refer forms of epilepsy previously called “idiopathic” as genetic epilepsy. However, idiopathic  epilepsy  constitutes  just a part among  genetic epilepsies. The other  groups resulting from  this etiology are monogenic  epilepsies  (e.g., Dravet syndrome)  as  well as  symptomatic  epilepsies  due to  other  genetically  determined syndromes (e.g., biotinidase deficiency or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis). The distinction between the three groups comprising genetic epilepsy is important not only due to difference in related etiology and course, but also because specific treatment in some monogenic forms might be possible. Here, the major  criteria for distinguishing between such epilepsy groups are presented.