Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, with a prevalence of 4-10/1000 and an incidence of 50-70/100,000 per year. It is often life-long, can appear at any age and includes a diverse group of neurological disorders, which present considerable challenges in diagnosis and management. Therefore, it is a condition that will frequently be seen by GPs and by a wide range of specialist physicians such as neurologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, paediatricians, geriatricians as well as allied health professionals such as nurses (in particular epilepsy specialist nurses), EEG technicians, neuropsychologists and researchers with an interest in epilepsy. The diversity of epilepsy syndromes makes it difficult to achieve an adequate level of knowledge and expertise in their management. Epilepsy is a comprehensive handbook which guides the reader though all aspects of epilepsy, both practical and academic, covering all aspects of diagnosis and management of the patient with epilepsy in a clear, concise and practical fashion. The book appeals to a wide audience by teaching a simple but highly practical method to approaching the classification and diagnosis of epilepsy, and then provides patient-centred information on pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. A clear and concise guide to all aspects of epilepsy Hands-on coverage of seizures through to legal and associated social aspects Offers advice on classification, diagnosis and treatment Provides patient-centred information on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Suggests answers to frequently asked questions from patients Focuses on treatment initiation, what to do when a particular treatment does not work, how to counsel patients about dealing with side effects, how to manage chronic treatments, and when to think about specialist treatments such as surgery CONTENTS 1. What is epilepsy? 2. Mechanisms of epilepsy 3a. Types of epileptic seizures 3b. From seizures to syndromes 3c. Is it epilepsy 4a. What to do I do now 4b. Medical treatment of epilepsy 4c. Surgical treatment of epilepsy 4d. Women's issues 5. Seizures under special circumstances 6. Consequences of having epilepsy 7. Healthcare and economics Gonzalo Alarcon, Consultant Neurologist, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK, Lina Nashef, Consultant Neurologist, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK, Helen Cross, Lecturer in neurology, The Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK, Jennifer Nightingale, Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, Barts and The London NHS Trust, Department of Neurology, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK, and Stuart Richardson, Principal Pharmacist, Department of Neurosciences, King's College Hospital NHS foundation Trust, UK