Many patients referred for an epilepsy evaluation actually suffer from one of many conditions that can imitate it. Imitators of epilepsy are a diverse group that involve consideration of many areas of internal medicine, neurology, and psychiatry. The most important imitators of epileptic seizures are dizziness, vertigo, syncope, complicated migraine; and somewhat less frequently sleep disorders, transient cerebral ischemia, paroxysmal movement disorders, endocrine or metabolic dysfunction, delirium, psychiatric conditions or transient global amnesia. Clearly under-recognized are hyperventilation episodes, panic attacks, and other psychogenic and psychiatric paroxysmal disorders that may simulate epileptic seizures. This volume provides a comprehensive review of the differential diagnosis of seizures: how do the imitators of epilepsy present clinically, what are their particular distinguishing historical features, and what tests are helpful with diagnosis? Expanding beyond the first edition, this second edition is divided into four sections. The first deals with an introduction and approach diagnosing spells, the electroencephalography of epilepsy and its imitators, and specialized tests of diagnosis such as measurement of serum prolactin. There are chapters on epileptic seizures that do not look like typical epileptic seizures, and conversely, apparent epileptic seizures that are not. A second section approaches imitators of epileptic seizures along age-based lines; i.e., what sorts of spells are likely to beset infants, children, or the elderly? A third section addresses individual imitators of epilepsy, ranging from the common to the rare, from dizziness and faintness to startle disease, arranged according to whether they might simulate partial, generalized, or both types of epileptic seizures. The volume finishes off with hyperventilation syndrome, psychogenic seizures (with or without epilepsy), and panic disorders. Most chapters review the basic definitions and physiology of the respective imitator, followed by the clinical characteristics. Emphasis is given to those features that may differentiate it from an epileptic event, but also mark it for what it is, and give possible criteria for an alternate diagnosis. Case vignettes are used to illustrate particular aspects, along with tables that compare and contrast phenotypically similar conditions. Based on their extensive clinical experience, the authors provide a personal perspective on diagnosis and treatment.

Affecting 4 percent of children and 1-2 percent of the general population, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. The 1st edition of this guide proved to be the only one of its kind, covering many important aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Due to the continued advances being made in the subject, and building on the sell-out success of the 1st edition this thorough revision reflects the latest report of the ILAE classification core group and the significant progress made in the diagnosis, classification and treatment of the epilepsies.

The boundaries between epilepsy and movement disorders are difficult to define; some syndromes or diseases may combine the two and many manifestations of one are similar to the other. For the first time, a distinguished, international team of specialists comprehensively examines the clinical, neurophysiological, genetic, pharmacological and molecular factors which underlie the relationships and differences between the two disorders. They examine the methods for investigating motor cortex excitability and the electrophysiological and chemical characteristics of epilepsies which resemble movement disorders. They present a scheme for neurophysiological classification of myoclonic epilepsies and myoclonus and give a detailed analysis of the disorders which cause diagnostic problems in children and adults. There is also an innovative, up-to-date review of the genetic syndromes which associate epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesias, and a review of the drugs used to treat, or which may precipitate, epilepsy and movement disorders. This is essential reading for clinicians and neuroscientists.

Atlas of Epilepsies is a landmark, all-encompassing, illustrated reference work and hands-on guide to the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy in all its forms and across all age groups. The premier text in the field with over one thousand images, the Atlas’s highly illustrative approach tackles the difficult subject of epileptic seizures and epileptic syndromes, accompanied by sequential photographs of each management step. Intraoperative photographs are accompanied by detailed figure legends describing nuances, subtleties, and the thought processes involved in each step, providing a fuller understanding of each procedure. The Atlas draws on the expertise of over 300 internationally-renowned experts, and is liberally interspersed with clinical insights and personal vignettes that offer helpful tips, technical advice and critical knowledge to the clinician and scholar. The thorough and complete table of contents includes dedicated sections or chapters on important topics such as neonatal and pediatric seizures; imitators of epilepsy; EEG and neuroimaging; psychiatric and quality of life aspects of epilepsy; and a complete guide to treatment options including current and up-to-date chapters on pharmaceuticals, surgical procedures, and additional and alternative treatments. No other publication addresses epilepsies as thoroughly and completely as the Atlas of Epilepsies. Exhaustive and illustrative, convenient and current, this reference is sure to be the premier text on epilepsy for many years to come.

Epilepsy is a common condition where sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures or fits. There are lots of possible symptoms of epileptic seizures, including uncontrollable shaking or loss of awareness of surroundings. There are many other disorders with symptoms that mimic those of epilepsy, thus accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This book is a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis of disorders that may mimic epilepsy. Divided into 22 sections, each chapter covers a different epilepsy imitator presented as an analytical discourse. A number of case studies are also included. The book concludes with discussion on the use of EEG (a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp) and its potential pitfalls. Also included, is a chapter dedicated to Sir William Gowers, a British neurologist at the forefront of the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders (1845-1915). The text is further enhanced by clinical images and figures. Key points Comprehensive guide to diagnosis of MIMICS of epilepsy Covers many different imitators presented as analytical discourse Includes discussion on use and potential pitfalls of diagnostic EEG Features clinical images and figures as well as a selection of case studies

Authoritative and updated, Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook, 3rd Edition, contains 365 chapters that cover the full spectrum of relevant topics in biology, physiology, and clinical information, from molecular biology to public health concerns in developing countries. Written by world-renowned authorities and expertly edited by epileptologists Drs. Jerome Engel, Jr., Solomon L. Moshé, Aristea S. Galanopoulou, John M. Stern, Alexis Arzimanoglou, Jacqueline A. French, Renzo Guerrini, Andres M. Kanner, and Istvan Mody, this three-volume work includes detailed discussions of seizure types and epilepsy syndromes, relationships between physiology and clinical events, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, conditions that could be mistaken for epilepsy, and an increasing range of pharmacologic, surgical, and alternative therapies.

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

Historically, relatively few investigations in neuropsychology have been sensitive to the analysis of cultural variables. This handbook will assist the neuropsychologist interested in cultural competence and help increase understanding of the link between cultural competence in assessment and intervention and good treatment outcomes. The handbook authors provide an in-depth discussion of the current status of multicultural training in neuropsychology; specific information on diverse groups (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.), assessment instruments, and clinical populations (HIV infected, seizure disorders, brain injuries); and unique analysis of immigration patterns, forensics, and psychopharmacology. This volume is the first to summarize the cultural data available in neuropsychology. A valuable resource for clinical neuropsychologists, school psychologists and rehabilitation professionals.

Brain Diseases—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ book that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Brain Injuries. The editors have built Brain Diseases—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Brain Injuries in this book to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Brain Diseases—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Patients with nonepileptic seizures (NES) frequently present in neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and emergency departments. The disorder has been well-documented in the medical literature, and much is known about the phenomenology, ictal semiology, neurologic signs, psychiatric comorbidities, neuropsychological testing, and psychosocial aspects. Since the publication of the third edition in 2010, knowledge of treatments for NES has grown and new data have become available. Fully updated to reflect these developments, this fourth edition brings together the current knowledge of NES treatments, drawing on the experience of an international team of authors. An accompanying website features video-EEGs of seizures and videos of patient-clinician interactions, which will help readers with both diagnostic and management decisions. Tables clearly illustrating the differential diagnosis of various nonepileptic events give readers quick reference guides to aid diagnostic assessment. A valuable resource for neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and any clinicians who encounter NES in their practice.