Epilepsy has afflicted humankind throughout recorded history; yet, it is only in the last half-century, that significant progress has been made in our basic understanding of the epileptic brain. Pivotal advances in drug development and surgical techniques, as well as the emergence of innovative approaches such as electrical stimulation of the nervous system, have led to a substantial reduction in the morbidity and mortality of patients with epilepsy. At the same time, remarkable developments in neuroscience have enhanced our understanding of brain structure and function. Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Perspectives incorporates new translational advances that bring epilepsy therapies from the laboratory bench to the bedside and back again. It brings together the work of more than 70 of the field's most respected and cutting-edge researchers and clinicians.
In 24 chapters, this extraordinarily comprehensive and current work: Offers an overview of the basic anatomic and functional substrates of seizure genesis and considers novel pathogenic concepts that have both emerged and been validated experimentally Examines antiepileptic drug therapy, including the latest on molecular targets Looks at the state of surgical treatments for epilepsy and discusses advances in the fields of structural and functional neuroimaging Reviews the variety of nontraditional therapeutic options, such as the ketogenic diet, the vagus nerve stimulator, immunomodulators, neurosteroids, herbs, and botanicals Investigates neuroendocrine, hormonal, and biobehavioral factors that influence seizure susceptibility--information that can be incorporated into the design of treatment algorithms on an individualized basis Provides a glimpse of what future epilepsy therapies might look like, from novel mechanisms of drug delivery to gene and stem-cell therapies for epilepsy to seizure detection methods, to the ultimate goal of disease prevention.
The idea for this book was inspired by the editors' collective desire to promote bridging of the so-called translational divide--that is, covering innovative treatment strategies based on scientific principles that have yet to be tested rigorously in the clinical setting, but yet may provide practitioners with new and promising approaches toward epilepsy therapeutics.
Industry Reviews
"In summary, I strongly congratulate the editors and authors for producing a book that accomplishes its task of refocusing epilepsy research on its primary directive, translation of scientific discoveries into interventions and methods that directly relate and promise to improve the quality of medical care our patients with seizures receive. Although not exhaustive enough, it will be an invaluable primer for young investigators but also for more senior researchers who aim to create new bridges with aspects of epilepsy research that are more distant from their immediate focus." --Aristea S. Galanopoulou, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Epilepsy & Behavior, 2011 Praise for the First Edition "! a much-needed textbook. It attempts to integrate data regarding the most relevant developments in research with those regarding clinical issues that have a direct effect on therapeutics. The book achieves this goal by reviewing current therapies and discussing new areas of research and treatment. Much of what is discussed provides a good review for not only the epilepsy community but also for general neurologists. !Perhaps the most exciting discussion in the book concerns the future of epilepsy research and treatment. !Although such goals may have seemed far-reaching a decade ago, the findings and ideas presented here make the concept of antiepileptogenesis appear to be an attainable goal." --Teresa Tran, M.D., MINCEP Epilepsy Care, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in New England Journal of Medicine, February 2005
