A Practical Guide to Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition and is frequently dealt with by non-
specialists, and even non-neurologists. Diagnosis is difficult and treatment
increasingly complex, including therapeutic and surgical options. This book
offers a comprehensible approach, including the basic science, which forms the
basis for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. Current issues are
addressed with clarity and include the most recent clinical findings.

This book is part of a series designed to fulfil the need for a simple guide to
common neurological disorders for the non-specialist, who is required to
diagnose and manage these conditions as part of their clinical practice.




Features

This practical guide simplifies the management of epilepsies for the non-
specialist
Issues addressed include rational drug prescribing, social aspects of epilepsy,
women's issues in epilepsy, sudden death in epilepsy
The classification of seizures and epilepsies is defined, followed by details
of the essential scientific and clinical features to help the reader quickly
reach their diagnosis in clinical practice


Part 1: Epidemiology and basic science: Classification of
seizures and epilepsies - general principles; Epidemiology of
epilepsy; Pathological anatomy of epilepsy; Basic pharmacology
of epilepsy; Part 2: Diagnosis: The differentiation of epilepsy;
The clinical identification; The role of the EEG; The role of
neuroimaging; Rarer epilepsy syndromes; Part 3: Treatment of
epilepsy: Supportive measures for the newly diagnosed patient;
When to treat; Indications and contraindications for specific
drugs; Non-drug treatment; When to withdraw treatment; Part 4:
Special issues in drug treatment: Fertility and teratogenicity;
Treatment in children; Treating the elderly; Treatment of status
epilepticus; Part 5: Psychosocial issues in epilepsy: Psychosis
and its relation to epilepsy; Depression and affective
disorders; The social consequences of epilepsy.