Since 1984, the year of the publication of its first edition, the famous "Blue Guide" has been the international reference for paediatricians and neuropaediatricians with regard to epileptic syndromes in infants, children and adolescents.
This 6th edition reviews some of the most noteworthy developments in the field, particularly in epileptic syndromes, but also focuses on the genetic aspects of the syndromes and their development. Progress brought about by advances in neuroimaging is also discussed in addition to specific etiologies such as parasitic diseases and immune and autoimmune diseases.
The different backgrounds of the contributors - coordinators and authors - ensure that the book's longstanding reputation for objectivity and seriousness, built over almost 35 years, remain well-deserved.
This book written by the current leading specialists is recognized worldwide as the international reference in epilepsy.
An updated version of the ILAE classification and the differential diagnosis of epilepsies, written by international experts in clinical epileptology and EEG.
The book covers the clinical and EEG features as well as the recording protocols of all paediatric and adult epilepsy syndromes, rates diagnostic confidence according to the findings in hand and the available clinical information.
The combination of the clinical EEG information, its dynamic layout and the 150 EEGs makes this book a reference guide in daily clinical practice for all electroencephalographers, epileptologists, general and child neurologists, EEG technologists and epilepsy nurses
There has been growing interest in the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including epilepsy. A number of studies were published during the last 5 years
demonstrating efficacy of purified CBD for the control of a large spectrum of seizure-types, particularly those observed in severe childhood epilepsies, such as Lennox- Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. This book, co-authored by leaders in the field of epileptology, critically reviews recent data from clinical trials. Authors discuss issues related to pharmacology, drug interactions, efficacy, potential adverse events and
long-term effects on development and behaviour. Child and adult neurologists and all clinicians contributing to epilepsy care will find useful information on the best practices, when using purified CBD for the treatment of
drug-resistant epilepsies.
Advances in the neurocognitive sciences, aided by increased imaging power, have extensively confirmed that during early development specific areas of a child's brain are designed to process specific functions - neurologic, cognitive, linguistic, motoric, and visuospatial, among others - and that this processing involves globally complex interconnections with other areas distributed throughout the brain: a lesion in a given area interferes with the functioning and coherence of the system as a whole.
This volume discusses the consequences of early brain injury to many parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia, with their related disorders of aphasia, OCD, and AD/HD, as well as white matter and its associated neuropsychological impairment of intelligence, language, and visuoperception. The corpus callosum and cerebellum are studied as they relate to learning motor sequences and language as well as communication disorders and social behavior.
This book also looks at mirror neurons as they affect the understanding of others' intentions and the development of empathy and gestural and other forms of language. The implications of these findings are examined since they have a critical effect on the rehabilitative and educational efforts that are being designed to mitigate the effects of early brain lesions on the growing child.
The last fifteen years have witnessed the extraordinary evolution of basic and clinical research in the field of lysoso-mal storage diseases (LSDs), transforming many of them from dire, untreatable progressive diseases to conditions that allow for possible cure or mitigation. In addition to the presently employed techniques of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and enzyme replacement for a number of lysoso-mal storage diseases, other therapeutic approaches are being developed that are based on different principles.
The awareness that the efficacy of treatment is greater if administered at the first signs of disease or, even better, during the pre-symptomatic phase underscores the urgency of early clinical diagnosis. Efforts are being made to improve the clinical acumen of paediatricians, paediatric surgeons and neurologists, rheuma-tologists, orthopaedists, and other professionals who come into early contact with children with LSDs. The possibility of including some of these disorders in routine neonatal screening is also a matter of discussion.
This volume provides an updated overview of epidemiologic, biochemical, genetic, pathogenetic, and clinical aspects of these disorders and outlines the various treatment options currently available for the LSDs. The need for patients with rare diseases like LSDs to be followed-up in a specialized centre is emphasized in view of the many kinds of multidisciplinary treatment that are needed to improve the quality of life and survival of these children.
Epilepsy and migraine are two frequent chronic neurological disorders which have complex links. Their comorbidity is well established by epidemiological data. Both are characterized by recurrent epileptic or migrainous attacks, sometimes intermingled. Their clinical symptoms may overlap. Moreover, some drug therapies can be used for both disorders.
What is this so particular link? This is exactly what this book aims to show! This book reports the most recent progresses observed in all the fields covered by-epilepsy and migraine. Epileptologists, who sometimes are not familiar with those fields, will find information on physiopathology, genetics and clinical classifications of migraine.
Edited by famous international specialists of migraine and/or epilepsy, this book will be essential to physicians in charge of this double therapeutic approach.
The book marks the 50th anniversary of the first description of Taylor's focal cortical dysplasia, which revolutionized the world of epilepsy and traces the history of the evolution of concepts in the world of clinical and basic research.
A broad panel of experts in epileptology, neurophysiology, neuropathology, genetics, imaging and brain surgery who have been working on the subject for decades has put together this book, and take stock of the latest advances to better understand and treat epilepsies related to focal cortical dysplasias.
This book offers you:
Concrete information on the best use of all available tools and the most effective medical care.
The basis for possible targeted therapies developed from the latest advances in genetic and molecular research.
The + of the book
--> Dozens of illustrations : A selection of neuropathological slices, structural and functional imaging, surface and depth electroencephalographic recordings (SEEG), intraoperative views, explanatory diagrams and decision trees.
--> State-of-the-art techniques in multimodal imaging (high-field MRI, PET, SPECT, image post- processing), neurophysiology (SEEG, EEG-fMRI, MEG, EEG-HR) and neurosurgery (targeted resections in functional areas, alternative techniques) are detailed and clearly presented in a didactic approach.
--> It is written in English.
This volume provides updated information on epilepsy genes, on the clinical picture of genetic epilepsies discovered so far, and on conceptual advances in the complicated area of genotype-phenotype correlations.
Recent studies on monogenic epilepsies present new insights into mechanisms whereby a mutation of a single gene, coding for an ion channel, can result in a complex epileptic phenotype. The analysis of genetically-determined epileptogenic dysplasia is advancing our understanding of the role of genes in controlling normal and pathological brain development.
The pathogenic mechanisms by which gene mutations determine progressive myoclonus epilepsies offer critical opportunities to understand the role of genetic factors in neurodegenerative phenomena associated with an even broader range of progressive epilepsy types.
The specialists who have contributed to this book are outstanding international experts in their respective fields, ensuring first and foremost that the reviews are of relevance to clinicians dealing with epilepsy in their daily practice, as well as providing the highest quality scientific information for biomedical research.
Epileptic encephalopathies have been discussed in different publications but mainly in relation to childhood. However, recent years have shown an increase of the life expectancy and social integration of patients with epileptic encephalopathies. Although the treatment goals remain the same regardless of age, the clinical symptoms, EEG-abnormalities, mental and behavioural aspects, side effect profiles of antiepileptic drugs change over time, requiring evolving and sometimes innovative therapies. Moreover, the social issues are important to consider for the maintenance of consistency in the delivery of care.
The present book covers the long-term evolution of epileptic encephalopathies in terms of clinical symptomatology, cognitive functions, treatment strategies and social care options. It will help clinicians, healthcare practitioners and social service professionals to understand better the natural history of epileptic encephalopathies, to identify specific management issues and to develop appropriate care strategies for this category of patients.
The third volume of the series of Atlases deals with the use and usefulness of electroencephalography (EEG) in neurology.
While EEG is universally recognized as a first-order investigation method in epilepsy (see Volume 2), and as an important contributor in sleep medicine, practical neurology has tended to neglect the value of this classical and established neurophysiological tool. A rich, extensively commented and analyzed collection of EEG plates is presented here.
The reader will be compelled to remember that EEG is the easiest way to assess parameters like state of vigilance, risk of seizure activity, type and degree of functional impairment, in a very clinical and practical setting. The authors cover many aspects of neurological practices where the EEG may help in diagnosis and treatment: metabolic and other encephalopathies, infectious and inflammatory conditions, vascular disorders. It is particularly useful -and difficult- to distinguish between epileptic phenomena and EEG changes associated with metabolic abnormalities: a careful assessment of the EEG is of paramount practical importance here. Migraine is not always simple and there are many overlaps with other types of neurological diseases: the EEG may play a major part in helping the clinician in doubtful cases. Similarly, the diagnosis of dementia does certainly not rest on the EEG but many particular aspects concerning diagnostic overlaps or copathologies are aptly explored by the EEG. Lastly, even the neurosurgeon may need the EEG to monitor trauma, tumor, bleeding...
This Atlas will provide both examples and guidelines for the optimal use of the EEG in neurology.
Fully updated and revised, the 3rd edition of the Atlas of Electroencephalography volume 1: Awake and Sleep EEG, activation procedures and artifacts retains the format and presentation that made the previous editions successful.
It is the most comprehensive EEG atlas on activation procedures, artifacts and normal EEG, covering the full spectrum of normal and unusual patterns observed during wakefulness and sleep, in children and adults. It will significantly help the visual analysis of EEG by neurologists and other specialists as well as technologists.
Electroencephalograms are shown in their native format, exactly as they appear in daily practice. Each plate is analyzed, in order to highlight the most significant elements to be used in diagnosis and interpretation. This 3rd edition includes a total of 180 EEG plates.
Philippe Gélisse and Arielle Crespel are neurologists running the Epilepsy Unit at the Montpellier University Hospital, in France. Both have extensive national and international experience in teaching about EEG and they have written numerous scientific publications in the field.
Fully revised and updated, this second edition of the second volume of the Atlases of electroencephalography series includes more than 2/3 new high-quality digital figures. A new Classification approach to epileptic seizures and to the epilepsies became official in 2017. Several aspects in terms of terminology have been included in this book and most of the chapters have been rewritten.
The second volume of this series on the practical use and interpretation of EEG focuses on epilepsies in their diversity. It is richly illustrated, and each EEG plate is analyzed in order to highlight the most significant elements to be used both for the diagnosis and interpretation. The originality of this textbook lies in its patient-based approach, thereby avoiding the pitfall of a formal presentation of EEG documents without their clinical context. Hence electroencephalography is placed at the core of the diagnostic and therapeutic discussion concerning patients with epilepsy.
Given the practical orientation of this Atlas, the focus is on common forms of epilepsies; nevertheless, some less common, more intriguing forms have also been illustrated. A synthetic text summarizes the present approach to the main epilepsy categories.
This Atlas is designed for all the actors who may be involved with patients with epilepsy. Physicians who deal with EEG will find it a valuable tool to improve the education of their early years, to help them with their interpretations later on, and for teaching purposes when more experienced. But it will also prove useful for all the physicians interested in epilepsy, as well as EEG technologists intent on providing quality recordings, and other professionals. Thorough understanding of human epilepsies requires extensive knowledge of their EEG correlates.
A comprehensive review of visual impairment in children and possible solutions
The rising number of cases in visual disorders during development, over the last decade, has strongly influenced approaches to diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Moreover, the study of visual function has evolved not only within an ophthalmological, but also a neurodevelopmental framework: advances in our understanding of the maturation and plasticity of visual system functioning have further guided the progress of such approaches. As a result, the key importance of the developmental age is now widely acknowledged, from as early as the first months of life.
This book provides an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders in relation to advances in neurodevelopmental studies. The concept of early and multimodal management is discussed, with a focus on neuro-psycho-ophthalmological issues. The need for training courses aimed at updating semiological aspects and methodological and rehabilitative strategies is established, as being of significant value to clinical practice.
The need for neuropathology reviews in epilepsy surgery tissues steadily increases. However, textbooks and case presentations highlighting and focusing on this specific topic are rare.
The authors of this book reviewed their professional experience in surgical and post-mortem neuropathology studies to compile a coherent summary of :
clinico-pathological findings,
current classification schemes,
useful protocols
research data
for major histopathological entities of brain lesions encountered in modern epilepsy surgery programs, which is hippocampal sclerosis, brain tumours associated with early epilepsy onset, malformations of cortical development, brain inflammation and malformative vascular lesions. They did not intend to be exhaustive but rather representative of the main lesions and pathologies encountered.
Thirty-two illustrated cases constitute the core of this book and will be very helpful in current practice.
This book provides an update on paediatric neurological disorders with cerebellar involvement.
The opening section of the volume is dedicated to the structure and function of cerebellum: the specific development of this organ, unlike other structures of the central nervous system, begins at a later stage of foetal development and lasts longer, even after birth, thus making the cerebellum particularly vulnerable to a wide range of insults, both genetic and acquired.
Of particular interest are chapters that focus on cerebellar disorders which may occur in isolation, or else as part of more complex malformations of the posterior fossa or in association with other supratentorial anomalies. Such conditions may be encountered both as part of 'static' congenital encephalopathies as well as in the frame of neurodegenerative or neurometabolic disorders.
Besides, the recent advances in neuroimaging and genetics allow to better characterize and define the genetic basis of an increasing number of such conditions.
The last part of the volume is dedicated to care and rehabilitation in cerebellar diseases: their correct diagnosis is pivotal in order to address patients to the appropriate genetic testing, plan clinical management and therapeutic strategies, and provide adequate counselling.
Paediatric Movement Disorders is a relatively new and exciting field of Child Neurology. The present book represents the outcome of an international symposium, organized as a forum for exchange between both adult and child neurologists. The contributions of highly qualified experts represent the "state of the art" of this rapidly expanding field. A source of thought for progress in further understanding, it will prove to be a useful tool to both clinicians and scientists.
This work, which results from the Marburg colloquium, chose to focus on one of the more common forms of partial epilepsies and for which surgery is often the treatment of choice, namely the mesial temporal lobe epilepsies.
Significant progress has been made over the last few years, particularly in understanding the borderline forms of this type of epilepsy.
The first part of this work concentrates on the concept of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and its pathophysiology. The second part addresses the clinical characteristics, in particular the natural evolution of the illness, the different aetiologies and the diagnostic relevance of the ictal semiology. The third part concentrates on the clinical and experimental neurophysiology, while the fourth part addresses imaging techniques. Finally, the last part outlines the current situation of the different therapeutic strategies.
It is targeted at neurologists, neuropaediatricians, epileptologists, neurosurgeons and all doctors involved in the treatment of focal epilepsies.
Every year, a Bethel-Cleveland Symposia type colloquium takes place in alternation in Marburg, Cleveland or Lyon.
The theme of the Cleveland colloquium which took place in May 2010 was extratemporal lobe epilepsy surgery.
Patients with refractory extratemporal lobe epilepsy, particularly those in whom imaging examinations did not reveal any brain lesions, have a less positive prognosis after surgery than those with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
The semiology of seizures, the functional imaging techniques, neuropsychological evaluation and intracranial EEG are used to select surgical patients. Moreover, a large number of centres have experimented with new methods for identifying the epileptogenic area in these patients.
This work outlines diagnostic and prognostic tools available as well as epilepsy surgery.
Written by international experts who attended the Cleveland colloquium, it will be all the more useful to neurologists, neurosurgeons and epileptologists as no other work until now has focused on this subject.
A current update on the use of clinical neuropsychology in epilepsy and its future outlook
Clinical neurology has still not managed to clear a way in the daily practice with patients with all types of epilepsy despite significant advances in cognitive neuroscience and a large number of clinical studies on epilepsy and cognition.
How is it that there are only rarely major advances in the field of clinical neuropsychology? It has long been time for this question to be asked, and for an attempt to be made to bring about changes. This was the aim of the Progress in Epileptic Disorders workshop held in Toronto and the result of this book.
More than half of epilepsies start before the age of 20 years and nearly 25% of them are refractory.
A tiny proportion of them are even labelled a "rare illness", i.e. one affecting less than 200,000 people in the United States or less than 5 out of 10,000 people in the European Union.
For these patients, two problems in their management arise:
In children, seizures affect an immature brain and can impact its development. It is therefore essential to treat them so that brain development continues as normally as possible.
The rarity of these syndromes does not encourage the pharmaceutical industry to invest in research.
Therefore, there are few drugs available.
However, a few target syndromes with a particularly unfavourable diagnosis. This work outlines 6 molecules in detail that are specifically used in epileptic encephalopathies. Every aspect of these molecules is discussed, including drug development, indication, efficacy, cost, etc.
Drafted by international experts in the field of epileptology, it provides all the necessary information on orphan drugs and their clinical use.
The book provides a comprehensive review and update of the newest diagnostic and therapeutic tools in paediatric neurology. Special attention is paid to neuroradiologic and neurophysiologic techniques and to their clinical application, with guidelines and suggestions on how an integrated approach can be used to reach diagnosis. Some of the chapters focus on the newborn infant and the first years of life, highlighting the most appropriate MRI, clinical, and EEG techniques to investigate the developing brain. Techniques used in older children are also presented, including state-of-the art insights that afford a better understanding of the correlation between function and brain structure in young patients with brain lesions.
New genetic discoveries are particularly emphasized, as is the possibility of performing accurate phenotype-genotype correlation by combining latest methods such as muscle MRI and genetic information in order to identify diagnostic MRI patterns associated with specific genetic disorders.
In all chapters an effort is made to combine technical data with clinical applications in order to highlight, when possible, how these novel procedures can also be used in rehabilitation.
This book will be of interest to paediatricians, paediatric neurologists, neonatologists, and, indeed, to all those who are involved in the diagnosis and care of children with neurologic disabilities.
Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe type of epilepsy. "Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy" was first described in 1978 by Charlotte Dravet, who observed common features: onset in the first year of life, fever sensitivity, multiple seizure types, often including myoclonic seizures, and cognitive deterioration. Subsequent descriptions contributed to delineating a newly recognised epilepsy syndrome. Renzo Guerrini contributed to the knowledge of the genetic basis and response to anti epileptic drugs of Dravet syndrome. New molecules have emerged, and studies on cognitive development have qualified the impairment. Families' associations have also contributed to a better knowledge of the syndrome.
Charlotte Dravet and Renzo Guerrini present here the state of current knowledge about this epilepsy type.
This book aims to provide more information on the syndrome to those neurologists, child neurologists, and pediatricians confronted with infants, children and adults who either have or are suspected to have Dravet syndrome. Even if significant gaps in our understanding of the syndrome remain, the authors hope this contribution may assist in the understanding of the disease and optimization of treatments.
In the last years, clinical data, neurophysiological and imaging investigations, as well as genetic studies have renewed the interest on ESES. In addition, experimental findings from sleep research have opened fascinating perspectives on some possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this condition.
These issues are presented and discussed in this book by clinicians, neurophysiologists, sleep physiologists and geneticists. They all have been working on ESES with the aim to provide an updated overview of this special syndrome in the light of recent research.
The aim of this publication is to demonstrate the effect of the neural networks on cognitive functions and behavioural patterns during the development phase of a child.
Taking as a basis the previous publication in this series dedicated to brain lesion localization and development, this time it is by examining in particular the frontal lobe, limbic system (hippocampus and amygdala) and visuo-cognitive system that this book looks at the close links between the neural networks and the future development of visual, cognitive and functional capacities.
The section on the frontal lobe concentrates on anatomy, mirror neurons, memory, executive functions, the neuropsychology of frontal lobe epilepsy and the resolution of social problems which can occur as a result of brain damage.
The part on the limbic system looks at neuro-anatomical organisation and the core functions of the hippocampus and amygdala, problems of language, music, emotions or autism.
Finally, the section dedicated to the visuo-cognitive system summarises the visual field problems associated with focal lesions, the correlation with neuro-imagery and visual impairment in children born prematurely.
