Epilepsy - A Comprehensive Textbook (PDF Version)

SOURCE :
Epilepsy - A Comprehensive Textbook - 2nd Edition - VOLUME 1 To 3
AUTHORS :
Jerome Engel Jr. MD, PhD
Jonathan Sinay Distinguished Professor of Neurology - Neurobiology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Director of the UCLA Seizure Disorder Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
Timothy A. Pedley MD
Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Neurology and Chairman - Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University; Neurologist-in-Chief, The Neurological Institute of New York, The New York-Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
SUMMARY :
A decade has intervened between the first and second editions of Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook. The process of revision afforded a unique opportunity to observe the extraordinary advances in research and the great improvements in clinical care that have occurred during this time. New insights into the basic mechanisms of seizures and epilepsy can be attributed largely to the increased application of cellular and molecular biology to the study of epileptic phenomena. In addition, there have been more direct investigations of patients using the tools of genetics and various brain imaging techniques. All aspects of treatment have improved, and both seizure control and quality of life for people with epilepsy are better today than ever before.
This progress is symbolized by noting that the second edition contains 20 more chapters than the first, of which 42 are completely new and 251 have been extensively rewritten. There were 351 contributors in the first edition; there are 444 in the second, of whom 225 are returning authors and 219 are new. As a result, although the book's outline follows that of the first edition, this is essentially an entirely new textbook.
As with the first edition, our objective with the second is to create a comprehensive textbook that addresses all aspects of epilepsy, from basic pathophysiology at cellular, molecular and organ levels to clinical phenomenology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment options, comorbidities, psychosocial rehabilitation and health care delivery. All chapters are written by distinguished experts in each field, and most have two or more authors representing different points of view to provide an authoritative consensus on each topic. Selection of editors and authors was designed to assure a perspective that is truly international. Therapeutic recommendations are evidence-based to the extent that is currently possible.
With completion of the second edition, we are acutely aware how much we owe to the section editors and, especially, our associate editors, all of whom are themselves internationally recognized experts in epilepsy. Without their help, chapters would not have been as consistently rigorous, balanced or current.
We also note with sadness the passing of colleagues who participated in the first edition, many of whom also contributed, or were scheduled to contribute, to the second. They include John Fred Annegers, Frank Benson, Fritz E. Dreifuss, John R. Gates, Richard W. Homan, Peter Kellaway, Pierre Loiseau, Eric Lothman, K. S. Mani, Frank Morrell, Claudio Munari, J. Kiffen Penry, Luis Felipe Quesney, A. James Rowan, Masakazu Seino, Arthur Sonnen and Sheila J. Wallace. We miss them, but they live on through their work and accomplishments, and the fond memories we have of them.
The first edition of Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook was intended to be a work in progress, a basis for developing a comprehensive reference resource in a format that had the potential to be updated regularly. A CD-ROM was subsequently prepared that included additional materials and revisions of some chapters. The second edition will have a digital version that is Internet based for inclusion of additional figures and images, more color illustrations, and other enhancements, as well as advanced search capabilities. The Internet version of the textbook affords an opportunity for all authors to update their chapters on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the electronic version remains current with the very latest information.
As always, we welcome suggestions and constructive criticism from readers. This input will not only assist in improving future hard copy editions but also help us to provide an Internet-based digital version that is as useful as possible.
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