Case Studies in Epilepsy : Common and Uncommon Presentations

Clinical case studies have long been recognized as a useful adjunct to problem-based learning and continuing professional development. They emphasize the need for clinical reasoning, integrative thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and self-directed learning – all desirable generic skills for health care professionals. Epilepsy is amongst the most frequently encountered of neurological disorders. There are important emerging clinical management issues (e.g., first seizure, therapy-resistant seizures, ICU, pregnancy) but also differential diagnosis of non-epileptic seizures (syncopy, pseudo-seizure, paroxysmal dystonic syndromes, sleep disorders, psychosis, inborn errors of metabolism, etc.). This selection of epilepsy case studies will inform and challenge clinicians at all stages in their careers. Including both common and uncommon cases, Case Studies in Epilepsy reinforces the diagnostic skills and treatment decision-making processes necessary to treat epilepsy and other seizures confidently. Written by leading experts, the cases and discussions work through differential diagnoses, treatments and social consequences in pediatric and adult patients.

Hermann Stefan, MD PhD, is Professor of Neurology and Epileptology at the University of Erlangen, Neurological Department.

Professor Patrick Y. Chauvel is Chairman, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, la Timone Hospital, Professor of Physiology, Faculté de Médecine of the Université de la Méditerranée and Director of the Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie and Neuropsychologie (INSERM-Université), Marseille, France.

Elinor Ben-Menachem, MD PhD, Professor in Neurology, Chief Editor Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Institute for Clinical Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Renzo Guerrini, MD, Professor of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Director – Pediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.