title: Recent developments in the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.
abstract: Recent advances in the diagnosis of epilepsy include the development of a clinically useful classification of epileptic seizures and the recognition of specific epileptic disorders. These advances have been aided by the advent of x-ray computed tomography, long-term electroencephalographic telemetry, and video monitoring. Techniques for functional imaging of the human brain promise even greater diagnostic capabilities. New antiepileptic drugs have improved medical management, and technical and theoretical advances in pharmacokinetics have permitted physicians to design balanced dosing for individual patients. Although currently underused, surgical treatment of partial complex epilepsy can be safe and effective when used appropriately. Operant conditioning of electroencephalography may become another practical alternative therapy. Contributions of basic research to understanding the complications of status epilepticus have influenced treatment protocols and greatly improved the prognosis of this potentially lethal condition.
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013686:Telemetry; D013690:Television; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D002998:Clonazepam; D014635:Valproic Acid; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium