Book Description

'Fast Facts: Epilepsy' is a succinct and practical aid to the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders. Contents include: • The diagnostic essentials - classification of seizures, conditions that can mimic epileptic seizures, clinical evaluation of the patient and the latest brain-imaging techniques • The principles of drug selection and therapy withdrawal • An up-to-date overview of all 15 antiepileptic drugs on the market • The non-pharmacological options for patients with medically refractory epilepsy, including deep brain stimulation • Special considerations for women, elderly people, teenagers and people with learning disabilities • Psychiatric morbidities - depression, anxiety and psychosis • The effects of epilepsy on employment, driving, life insurance and lifestyle. The management of patients with epilepsy is a team effort involving medical and social service professionals and the patient's family, friends and co-workers. Primary care providers are at the forefront of care, usually performing the initial evaluation after the first seizure, making dose adjustments to the patient's drug treatment and providing ongoing support. Now in its fifth edition, this ever-popular handbook is a neatly packaged, up-to-date resource for the busy clinician and team, to help investigate, diagnose and successfully treat children and adults with a wide range of seizure disorders. Contents: • Epidemiology and prognosis • Classification of seizures and syndromes • Diagnosis • Pharmacological management • Antiepileptic drugs • Non-pharmacological management • Status epilepticus and seizure clusters • Specific populations • Quality of life • Future trends • Useful resources