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A comprehensive collection of the most recent knowledge on the biological bases of various kinds of epilepsies and modern clinical approaches to their treatment. Epilepsy affects about 0.5-1% of the world's population (about 50,000,000 individuals) and the main goal of its treatment is to eliminate seizures without creating side effects. Despite numerous advances in the treatment of epilepsy and the approval of several new antiepileptic drugs, about 30% of patients continue to experience recurrent seizures which are medically, physically, and/or socially disabling. The editor of this volume hopes that by bridging the gap between the fundamental biology of epilepsy and its clinical implications he might spur further research and treatment options.​

This book is dedicated to Dr. Philip A. Schwartzkroin. The book has a novel format because it is not intended to be a set of reviews. Instead, it is an effort to explore important topics in the epilepsy research field. Because articles are written by leaders in the field who have years of experience and individuals with diverse expertise, articles are likely to have a long-lasting impact and be relevant for both epileptologists and neuroscientists. Authors address topics that are important, unresolved questions in the field of epilepsy research, drawing on available data from both the bench and the clinic to support their points. A given topic is addressed by one or more authors, each writing from his/her own unique perspective. For all of the individuals who have been trained or worked with Philip Schwartzkroin in the past and/or have appreciated his contributions to the epilepsy field, this volume is an excellent way to celebrate his achievements and look to the ways they have moved the field forward and continue to stimulate its growth.

This new edition of the book series dedicated to'Progress in Epileptic Disorders'is the result of a recently held unique gathering of international experts that debated on the prognostic and therapeutic issues raised by the management of first unprovoked seizures and of newly diagnosed epilepsy. Current knowledge on natural evolution of a first seizure, the role of co-morbid conditions, the impact of immediate versus delayed treatment and recent guidelines are thoroughly addressed. The new ideas and suggestions that emerge from this book offer challenging perspectives for both patient care and clinical as well as fundamental research.

Ouvrage rédigé en anglais. Event-related Potentials in Patients with Epilepsy: from Current State to Future Prospects Event-related Potentials (ERPs) have been studied for more than 40 years as a window into higher cortical function. Although ERPs have long been investigated in the field of epilepsy, their complete analysis had to await the development of powerful computer technology. As this technology comes online, increasing the clinical application of ERPs to epilepsy can be expected. Eventually, ERPs may contribute to brain computer interfaces through the marriage of computer technology and nano-technology. This book comprehensively reviews and assesses Event-related Potentials and proposes their future prospects, mainly from the viewpoint of clinical epileptology. It covers all aspects of ERPs related to epilepsy, including ERPs in the evaluation of epileptic pathophysiology, higher cortical functions, functional deficits, other neuroimaging techniques, epilepsy surgery, antiepileptic drugs, and developmental aspects in children.

Our knowledge on epileptic spasms and West syndrome is always in progress. Its wide variability concerning clinical semiology, EEG patterns and neurodevelopment is related to heterogeneous aetiologies and is believed to considerably influence diagnostic procedures and treatment selection. This contrasts with the general tendency to consider the pathogenic mechanism underlying infantile spasms as unique. This book includes several contributions to a recent international workshop gathering up-to-date knowledge on electro-graphic and seizure semiology, neurodevelopment, surgical and medical treatment in West syndrome.

A'Generalized seizure'corresponds to an ictal manifestation whose initial semeiology indicates, or is consistent with, more than minimal involvement of both cerebral hemispheres. A network is a functionally and anatomically connected set of cortical and subcortical brain regions in which activity in any one part affects activity in all others. A system is a group of independent but interrelated elements (networks) comprising a unified whole. A considerable amount of evidence supports the existence of specific cortical and subcortical networks in the genesis, expression and control of generalized seizures. Animal and human data suggested that the so-called generalized seizures involve selective networks while sparing others. A greater understanding of those systems and networks, thoroughly debated in this book, will ultimately lead to improved targeted therapies for so-called generalized epilepsies.

Epilepsy research has entered an exciting phase as advances in molecular analysis have supplemented in vitro and in vivo electrophysiologic and phenotypic characterization. Recent Advances in Epilepsy Research sets forth a series of chapter reviews by researchers involved in these advances. This volume is a composite profile of some exciting recent investigations in select areas of enquiry. Key features: neurogenetics of seizure disorders, new developments in cellular and molecular neurobiology of seizure disorders, the role of growth factors in seizures, new advances in the roles of metabotropic glutamate receptors and GABA receptors and transporters, gap junctions, neuroimmunology of epilepsy, malformations of cortical development, neurogenesis, new animal models of epilepsy and the use of brain stimulation to treat epilepsy. This book should be of interest to a wide variety of audiences, including graduate students in neurobiology and related disciplines, neuroscientists, medical students, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and industry including pharmaceutical companies and medical device companies. There are many ideas in this book that will lead ingenious innovators in academia and industry to develop new and better therapies.