ABC of Epilepsy
ABC Series

ABC of Epilepsy provides a practical guide for general practitioners, and all those working in primary care, on the diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsy, and for the continued monitoring and long term support of what is still a relatively poorly understood neurological disorder.

This brand new title in the ABC series is highly illustrated throughout and presents what epilepsy is, its classification, and how to diagnose it. It covers anti-epileptic drugs and non-drug treatments, as well as self-management and living with epilepsy.

Edited by a general practitioner and neurologist team, the ABC of Epilepsy reflects current NICE guidelines and is ideal for all GPs, primary health care professionals, practice nurses and specialist nurses, and non-specialist medical staff who play an increasing role in monitoring and managing of epilepsy patients.

Contributors, vii

Foreword, ix

Preface, xi

1 What is Epilepsy? Incidence, Prevalence and Aetiology, 1
W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C. Walker

2 Describing and Classifying the Condition, 4
Colin D. Ferrie and Matthew C. Walker

3 Making the Diagnosis – Taking a History, Clinical Examination, Investigations, 9
Jan Bagshaw, Matthew C. Walker, Colin D. Ferrie, Mike P. Kerr and W. Henry Smithson

4 Managing the Drug Treatment of Epilepsy, 14
Colin D. Ferrie, Mike P. Kerr, W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C. Walker

5 Non-drug Treatments Including Epilepsy Surgery, 18
Colin D. Ferrie, W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C. Walker

6 Prolonged or Repeated Seizures, 21
Matthew C. Walker

7 Special Groups – Women, Children, Learning Disability and the Elderly, 23
Jan Bagshaw, Colin D. Ferrie and Mike P. Kerr

8 Monitoring and Review – How to Manage the Condition Long Term, 27
Colin D. Ferrie, Alice Hanscomb and Mike P. Kerr

9 Living with Epilepsy – Information, Support and Self-Management, 30
Alice Hanscomb and W. Henry Smithson

Appendix: Epilepsy Charities, 34

Index, 35

W. Henry Smithson is a General Practitioner and Acting Head, Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, Medical School, University of Sheffield

Matthew C. Walker is Professor of Neurology, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London