Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy

by Steven C. Schachter MD

Overview

The clinical management of patients with epilepsy and the associated medical literature are rapidly evolving. "Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy" differs from other epilepsy textbooks by focusing specifically on topics where the available evidence is sufficiently well developed to be synthesized into straightforward summaries of proven therapies. When evidence is missing or there is doubt, controversy or ambiguity, the distinguished authors offer treatment recommendations based on practice guidelines or consensus statements that span the gaps in evidence while pointing to those areas where further research is needed.

The initial chapters cover critically important aspects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgical treatment such as when to start and stop AEDs, how to monitor their effectiveness, special considerations in women who become pregnant, and when to consider surgery to alleviate seizures. The following chapters cover the therapy of seizures when they develop after traumatic brain injury or stroke, and the treatment of concomitant depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy. The final chapters discuss emerging topics in epilepsy: the treatment of the postictal state, technologies to predict and detect seizures, strategies for closing the treatment gap and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

The contributors are renowned experts in their fields who successfully and succinctly present state-of-the-art reviews based on the medical evidence designed to help the clinician be as best informed as possible in the care of patients with epilepsy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781903378779
Publisher:	TFM Publishing
Publication date:	09/01/2011
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	6.75(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Steven C Schachter MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Joseph I Sirven, MD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: This is a summary of the best evidence available for the diagnosis and management of patients with epilepsy. The topics are of interest to practicing clinicians and include the issues that patients most often inquire about.
Purpose: The editor summarizes the purpose of the book, stating that it is intended as a reference "to provide physicians caring for patients with epilepsy with the available evidence to support the diagnostic and treatment decisions that are frequently made in clinical practice together with an assessment of the strength of the supporting published evidence." These meritorious objectives are clearly met.
Audience: It is written for practitioners who frequently manage patients with epilepsy, by an assortment of experts in the field.
Features: The 13 chapters cover topics that are of significant interest to both patients and physicians, yet are rarely covered by other books, ranging from exercise and epilepsy to death. The result is a well-executed yet concise articulation of the best evidence to help guide clinicians on how best to help their patients with epilepsy.
Assessment: This is an excellent addition to any epilepsy book library. Moreover, it is essential for all clinicians given the wealth of information that it contains. I can easily see using this reference in daily practice.

Doody's Review Service