RSS Feeds
Recent Developments in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Epilepsy
- JEROME ENGEL, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.;
- ALLAN S. TROUPIN, M.D.;
- PAUL H. CRANDALL, M.D.;
- M. BARRY STERMAN, Ph.D.; and
- CLAUDE G. WASTERLAIN, M.D.
Abstract
Recent advances in the diagnosis of epilepsy include the development of a clinically useful classification of epileptic seizures and the recognition of specific epileptic disorders. These advances have been aided by the advent of x-ray computed tomography, long-term electroencephalographic telemetry, and video monitoring. Techniques for functional imaging of the human brain promise even greater diagnostic capabilities. New antiepileptic drugs have improved medical management, and technical and theoretical advances in pharmacokinetics have permitted physicians to design balanced dosing for individual patients. Although currently underused, surgical treatment of partial complex epilepsy can be safe and effective when used appropriately. Operant conditioning of electroencephalography may become another practical alternative therapy. Contributions of basic research to understanding the complications of status epilepticus have influenced treatment protocols and greatly improved the prognosis of this potentially lethal condition.
Article and Author Information
-
▸An edited transcription of an Interdepartmental Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
-
▸Authors who wish to cite a section of this conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example of the form of the reference:
TROUPIN AS. Pharmacologic therapy, pp. 587-90. In: ENGEL J JR, moderator. Recent developments in the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy. Ann Intern Med. 1982;97:584-598.
-
▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Jerome Engel, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.; Department of Neurology, Reed Neurological Research Center, 710 Westwood Plaza, UCLA School of Medicine; Los Angeles, CA 90024.
- © 1982 American College of Physicians
