Benign Focal Epilepsies in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence

It is well known that the incidence of epilepsies is higher in this age period
than in any other time in the life span. The frequent occurrence of seizures
refractory to antiepileptic drug treatments is of great concern. On the
opposite side of the spectrum, the group of benign epilepsy syndromes
presented in this book is clearly more prevalent in childhood than the
intractable epilepsies. Neurologists and paediatricians should be familiar
with these conditions because accurate diagnosis, and its consequent good
prognosis, may save much suffering to the family.

Special emphasis, however, is given to the small proportion of children who,
in spite of presenting a usually benign disease, show an atypical evolution
which hampers their neuropsychological development. It is fundamental to be
aware of the possible ill effects of some antiepileptic drugs in these cases.

Finally, advancements in the recognition of new - and not so rare - epileptic
syndromes are presented. All the subjects are supported by extensive
experience of the authors based in large series of patients.