Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies

Idiopathic generalised epilepsies are characterised by strong genetic factors and multiple clinical phenotypes; animal models of untreated epilepsies are relevant to some of the clinical syndromes found in humans. This volume is the first to confront human clinical, animal (experimental) as well as basic and applied genetic data. Main section headings: Current approaches; Familial neonatal and infantile convulsions; Absence seizures and absence epilepsy; Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and related syndromes; Photosensitivity; Pathophysiology of convulsive seizures; Fundamental and therapeutic aspects.

Expanded and revised, this unique book provides concise descriptions of the many causes of epilepsy, for use in clinical practice.

Covers all aspects of epilepsy, from basic mechanisms to diagnosis and management, as well as legal and social considerations.

This book gives an exhaustive account of the classification and management of epileptic disorders. It provides clear didactic guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of epileptic syndromes and seizures through thirteen chapters, complemented by a pharmacopoeia and CD ROM of video-EEGs.

Eyelid myoclonia with absences is a recently described and under-recognised syndrome of idiopathic generalised epilepsy. The diagnosis may be confused with tics, attempts at self induction, and epilepsy syndromes with a better prognosis such as childhood absence epilepsy. This book summarises current knowledge on the topic; covering the underlying anatomy and physiology of the eyelids, the clinical and electro-encephalographic features and differential diagnosis in children and adults, including a discussion on the issue of self-induction of absences. The current state of knowledge on inheritance and genetics of the condition and treatment strategies are considered. Throughout, recent advances in the field are couched in an historical context, making this book a comprehensive source for all those who need to understand this syndrome whether from a research standpoint or the clinical management of affected children and adults. As such it will be of value to neurologists, epileptologists and those involved in the care and treatment of epileptic patients.

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) may start in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, but some have an onset in adulthood. They are genetically determined and affect otherwise healthy people of both sexes and all races, and are generally lifelong. Some, however, are age related. IGEs account for nearly a third of all epilepsies. According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed classification, the following IGEs are recognized in accordance with the age at onset (): benign myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (BMEI), generalized epilepsies with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), epilepsy with myoclonic–astatic seizures (EMAS), epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA), childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), and IGEs with variable phenotypes (IGEVP) that include juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures only (EGTCSO). These IGEs raise a conceptual issue since some conditions are epilepsy syndromes (a combination of a given age of onset, seizure type(s), and interictal and clinical and EEG features) (i.e., BMEI, EMAS, EMA, CAE, JAE, JME) whereas others join several types of epilepsy in a given family (i.e., GEFS+and eventually IGEVP and EGTCSO). This chapter describes the electroclinical features, evolution, and therapeutic aspects of IGEs.

This volume is the first comprehensive text and clinical reference on idiopathic myoclonic epilepsies of infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The world’s foremost experts describe the phenotypes and subtypes of myoclonic epilepsies and the underlying molecular defects and summarize cutting-edge advances in molecular genetics that shed new light on the etiologies of these syndromes. The book offers clinicians much-needed assistance in recognizing and diagnosing idiopathic myoclonic epilepsies and selecting appropriate treatment. Each chapter includes diagnostic and treatment algorithms to guide practitioners in clinical decision making.

Atlas of Epilepsies is a landmark, all-encompassing, illustrated reference work and hands-on guide to the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy in all its forms and across all age groups. The premier text in the field with over one thousand images, the Atlas’s highly illustrative approach tackles the difficult subject of epileptic seizures and epileptic syndromes, accompanied by sequential photographs of each management step. Intraoperative photographs are accompanied by detailed figure legends describing nuances, subtleties, and the thought processes involved in each step, providing a fuller understanding of each procedure. The Atlas draws on the expertise of over 300 internationally-renowned experts, and is liberally interspersed with clinical insights and personal vignettes that offer helpful tips, technical advice and critical knowledge to the clinician and scholar. The thorough and complete table of contents includes dedicated sections or chapters on important topics such as neonatal and pediatric seizures; imitators of epilepsy; EEG and neuroimaging; psychiatric and quality of life aspects of epilepsy; and a complete guide to treatment options including current and up-to-date chapters on pharmaceuticals, surgical procedures, and additional and alternative treatments. No other publication addresses epilepsies as thoroughly and completely as the Atlas of Epilepsies. Exhaustive and illustrative, convenient and current, this reference is sure to be the premier text on epilepsy for many years to come.