Synopsis
US neurologists summarize developments in the acute nervous system disorder through 2004 from a clinical perspective. Their studies are arranged along the lines of different forms of status epilepticus as encountered by clinicians in the field, each sections discussing the underlying genetic, biological, and developmental background as well as the precipitating factors that lead to an episode of status. This arrangement highlights differences as well as similarities from one form to another, demonstrating that status is not a single disease but arises from different substrates and comprises multiple illnesses. The topics include convulsive, focal, and non-convulsive forms; treatment; and pediatric and neonatal cases. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Jennifer L Hopp, MD(University of Maryland School of Medicine)
Description:This book is primarily a clinical review of the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of status epilepticus. The multiauthored book also includes a review of the physiologic basis of status as well as high quality, classic examples of EEG tracings throughout.
Purpose:The objective, according to the editor, is to provide a comprehensive update on the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of status epilepticus. This is accomplished through the organization of a book by experts in the field providing clinical context as well as literature support. As there are few books available in this field, particularly with this format and practical approach, this is a valuable reference for the epileptologist, as well as general neurologist in practice. There is some overlap with the multiauthor approach, but this is balanced by the production of a comprehensive reference with varied perspectives that also address the controversies in the field of diagnosis and management.
Audience:The editor does not specifically note to whom the book is targeted, but it appears that it would be a comprehensive reference for the epileptologist in particular, and the general neurologist and neurologists in training as well. The editor has authored portions of the book, in addition to several other epileptologists in the field. He notes that the authors are somewhat limited to the Northeastern U.S., which could provide a somewhat limited perspective on approaches to diagnosis and management, though work from other nationally and internationally recognized experts is cited throughout the book.
Features:The book focuses on a clinical perspective of the classification, diagnosis, and management of status epilepticus, but also manages to include basic science and physiology background where appropriate, as well as dedicated chapters for review of these topics. The multiauthored approach allows a varied number of perspectives on these topics, and with minimal overlap, allows the provision of different perspectives on current controversies in the field. The book includes a very comprehensive review of the classification of the heterogeneous group of disorders involved with status epilepticus, in addition to sections dedicated to differential diagnosis, treatment, and issues unique to children. In addition, there are high quality illustrations, including many EEGs throughout the text as well as in a dedicated chapter, which provide classic examples for both the seasoned epileptologist as well as neurologist-in-training. There is a small degree of overlap of material, but in general this provides a comprehensive approach to the subject as well as attention to the varied clinical approaches and controversies in the field.
Assessment:This first edition, comprehensive, clinically-oriented book is a valuable contribution to the field of epilepsy as well as general and critical care neurology. There has been a significant increase in published data in this field in recent years, and this book has managed to capture the key aspects of basic science, clinical classification, diagnosis, and treatment in a concise, one volume book. Although there is a great deal of literature in this field with regard to references, and books on epilepsy and EEG, there are few of this type in recent years for comparison. This up-to-date book includes data through 2004, and thus provides a unique contribution to the field.