Outcome of childhood epilepsies

Outcome of Childhood Epilepsies

At the time a diagnosis of epilepsy is made for a child, it is highly desirable to predict seizure control and social outcome several months or even years later. Determination of outcome is, however, complex and in order to confront this challenge, a number of simple questions should be addressed. Firstly, and most obviously : What is to be predicted ? This may be seizure control, remission with or without ongoing AED treatment, intractability, social outcome, quality of life, or a combination of the above. Secondly : What is the purpose of attempting to predict outcome and who will use the information ? And thirdly : How accurate is the prediction ?

The aim of this book, based on studies debated at a workshop attended by experts from all over the world, is to take a critical look at what is known about the outcome of childhood epilepsies, specifically evidence-based findings, and further clarify the direction of clinical and fondamental research for the future.