Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)

University Hospital Antwerp - VIB UAntwerp Neurology Department - Center for Molecular Neurology
Sarah Weckhuysen MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of Antwerp in Belgium with interest in both clinical epilepsy and genetic research. As a neurologist she worked in several tertiary epilepsy centers, including the Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe in the Netherlands, the Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris, France, and currently the University Hospital of Antwerp in Belgium. She obtained a PhD on the topic of genetics of epileptic encephalopathies, and since 2018 she is heading the epilepsy research team of the Applied & Translational Neurogenomics group at the VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology in Antwerp. The primary focus of her research group is the identification of novel genes and genetic mechanisms implicated in epilepsy, using state-of-the-art multi-omics approaches. The developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are of specific interest to her group, as she strongly believes that the study of the underlying genetic mechanisms can be the entry point for the development of more potent, targeted therapies. Her lab therefore uses patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a tool to translate the genetic work of her group into biological understanding and better treatments for people with epilepsy. Over the years, her work contributed to many novel epilepsy gene discoveries and disease characterizations.

Author Of 2 Presentations

WHEN SHOULD WE REQUEST A GENETIC TEST IN CHILDHOOD EPILEPSIES, AND WHICH TEST?

Session Type
Teaching Course
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Teaching Course B
Lecture Time
09:30 - 09:53
Presenter
  • Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)
Scientific Session: MT (Main Topics)

GENETICS TRANSFORMING EPILEPSY CARE

Session Type
Scientific Session: MT (Main Topics)
Date
06.10.2021, Wednesday
Session Time
11:30 - 13:00
Room
Main Topic A
Lecture Time
11:53 - 12:16
Presenter
  • Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)

Abstract

Abstract Body

The last decade has seen an increased use and yield of genetic testing in a broad spectrum of epilepsies, especially in the group of the developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Also adults with epilepsy are now increasingly considered for genetic testing, especially if there is an association with cortical malformations or neurodevelopmental problems. Whereas initial clinical benefits mainly were based on improved counseling about prognosis and recurrence risk, for several genetic epilepsies research discoveries are now being translated into novel treatment strategies including strategies for gene regulation, gene therapy, and anti-seizure medications that obtained orphan drug designations. This presentation will give an overview of how recent developments in genetics have changed our care for (a subset of) epilepsy patients.

Hide

Presenter of 2 Presentations

WHEN SHOULD WE REQUEST A GENETIC TEST IN CHILDHOOD EPILEPSIES, AND WHICH TEST?

Session Type
Teaching Course
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Teaching Course B
Lecture Time
09:30 - 09:53
Presenter
  • Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)
Scientific Session: MT (Main Topics)

GENETICS TRANSFORMING EPILEPSY CARE

Session Type
Scientific Session: MT (Main Topics)
Date
06.10.2021, Wednesday
Session Time
11:30 - 13:00
Room
Main Topic A
Lecture Time
11:53 - 12:16
Presenter
  • Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)

Abstract

Abstract Body

The last decade has seen an increased use and yield of genetic testing in a broad spectrum of epilepsies, especially in the group of the developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Also adults with epilepsy are now increasingly considered for genetic testing, especially if there is an association with cortical malformations or neurodevelopmental problems. Whereas initial clinical benefits mainly were based on improved counseling about prognosis and recurrence risk, for several genetic epilepsies research discoveries are now being translated into novel treatment strategies including strategies for gene regulation, gene therapy, and anti-seizure medications that obtained orphan drug designations. This presentation will give an overview of how recent developments in genetics have changed our care for (a subset of) epilepsy patients.

Hide

Moderator of 1 Session

Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Teaching Course B
Chair(s)
  • Sarah Weckhuysen (Belgium)