The Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment of Epilepsy: A Practical Guide

This is a 268-page text geared to the nonneurologist and practicing neurologist. This 14-chapter volume is stated to "provide current information about epilepsy in a comprehensive, easy-to-use, and practical form." Nineteen authors do their work in a question and answer format. The index can sometimes be lacking. The cost at about $60 is reasonable.

All major areas of epilepsy are covered in this short book. The question and answer format allows for easy reading. The initial chapter deals with the classification of seizures and epilepsy. These areas are effectively covered. Figures of electroencephalograms are of average quality. The second chapter reviews radiographic assessment of patients with seizure. The statement that "every patient who experiences a seizure warrants an imaging evaluation" can be argued. Generalized idiopathic epilepsies in childhood usually do not require imaging. All imaging modalities are reviewed with the general flavor of the chapter geared toward the surgical treatment of seizures. Chapter 3 discusses treatment objectives of seizures. This chapter gives a succinct overview of medical treatment options. The next chapter is an unusual description of intractable epilepsy with many of its associated problems.