Peter Camfield

The aim of this book is to take a critical look at what is known about outcome of childhood epilepsies, specifically evidence-based findings, and further clarify the direction of clinical and fundamental research for the future. At the time a diagnosis of epilepsy is made for a child, it is highly desirable to predict seizure control and social outcome several months or even years later. Determination of outcome is, however, complex and in order to confront this challenge, a number of simple questions should be addressed: What is to be predicted? This may be seizure control, remission with or without ongoing AED treatment, intractability, social outcome, quality of life, or a combination of the above. What is the purpose of attempting to predict outcome and who will use the information? How accurate is the prediction?

A result of a gathering of international experts that debated on the prognostic and therapeutic issues raised by the management of first unprovoked seizures and of diagnosed epilepsy. This book addresses knowledge on natural evolution of a first seizure, the role of co-morbid conditions, impact of immediate versus delayed treatment and guidelines.