RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Draw a Pedigree During the Neurological Consultation
JF Practical Neurology
JO Pract Neurol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 38
OP 45
DO 10.1111/j.1474-7766.2005.00274.x
VO 5
IS 1
A1 Saif S.M. Razvi
A1 Ian Bone
YR 2005
UL http://pn.bmj.com/content/5/1/38.abstract
AB INTRODUCTION Inherited genetic disorders account for about 5% of all medical consultations. The importance of a genetic contribution to a widening spectrum of disorders is becoming evident in neurology, indeed in all facets of medicine. Genetic factors may contribute to the development of disease, influence its course and severity, prognosis and response to therapy. Therefore, as our knowledge of the human genome expands, efforts are being made to identify genetic predispositions and influences to improve identification of risk, target pharmacotherapy, design gene therapy, and to provide more accurate assessment of prognosis. Recognition of risk should facilitate timely screening and early or presymptomatic treatment when available; and even in the absence of accepted treatment strategies this may still encourage appropriate lifestyle measures to reduce risk.Better assessment of genetic risk is therefore an essential part of modern clinical assessment in all patients. A comprehensive family history is the first step and