The Nutrition and Health series of books has an overriding mission to provide health professionals with texts that are considered essential because each includes: (1) a synthe sis of the state of the science, (2) timely, in -depth reviews by the leading researchers in their respective fields, (3) extensive, up-to-date, fully annotated reference lists, (4) a detailed index, (5) relevant tables and figures, (6) identification of paradigm shifts and the consequences, (7) suggestions of areas for future research, and (8) balanced, data driven answers to patient /health professionals questions that are based upon the totality of evidence rather than the findings of any single study. The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter as well as in the choice of chapter authors. The international perspective, especially with regard to public health initiatives, is emphasized where appropriate. The editors, whose trainings are both research- and practice-oriented, have the opportunity to develop a primary objective for their book; define the scope and focus, and then invite the leading authorities from around the world to be part oftheir initiative. The authors are encouraged to provide an overview of the field, discuss their own research, and relate the research findings to potential human health consequences."

Epilepsy has afflicted humankind throughout recorded history; yet, it is only in the last half-century, that significant progress has been made in our basic understanding of the epileptic brain. Pivotal advances in drug development and surgical techniques, as well as the emergence of innovative approaches such as electrical stimulation of the nervous system, have led to a substantial reduction in the morbidity and mortality of patients with epilepsy. At the same time, remarkable developments in neuroscience have enhanced our understanding of brain structure and function. Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Perspectives incorporates new translational advances that bring epilepsy therapies from the laboratory bench to the bedside and back again. It brings together the work of more than 70 of the field's most respected and cutting-edge researchers and clinicians. In 24 chapters, this extraordinarily comprehensive and current work: Offers an overview of the basic anatomic and functional substrates of seizure genesis and considers novel pathogenic concepts that have both emerged and been validated experimentally Examines antiepileptic drug therapy, including the latest on molecular targets Looks at the state of surgical treatments for epilepsy and discusses advances in the fields of structural and functional neuroimaging Reviews the variety of nontraditional therapeutic options, such as the ketogenic diet, the vagus nerve stimulator, immunomodulators, neurosteroids, herbs, and botanicals Investigates neuroendocrine, hormonal, and biobehavioral factors that influence seizure susceptibility-information that can be incorporated into the design of treatment algorithms on an individualized basis Provides a glimpse of what future epilepsy therapies might look like, from novel mechanisms of drug delivery to gene and stem-cell therapies for epilepsy to seizure detection meth

'It is a small treasure chest of information presented in a compact textbook format. The unique contribution of this volume is the authors' ability to seamlessly bridge our current understanding of the basic science and genetics of this group of disorders to the clinical aspects of each epilepsy ... In short, those who practice in the field of epilepsy will find this text an easily accessible mini encyclopedia of reviews of our current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the various childhood epilepsies. Readers will appreciate the digestible length and level of detail of each chapter and enjoy grabbing this book off the shelf.'Journal of Paediatric Epilepsy This is a collection of chapters from renowned authors focused on the contemporary issues in developmental epilepsy, from both clinical and basic science perspectives. Developmental epilepsy (or epilepsy syndromes), while receiving much more attention than 20 years ago, is still not well understood. This lag in research is reflected in the challenges of treating developmental epilepsy. The book discusses these challenges in the clinic and brings them back to the laboratory bench (and in some cases back to the bedside). This book fills a gap in the literature on developing epilepsy by bridging current clinical knowledge with basic and translational research in the developing brain relevant for developmental epilepsy.The book is introduced by a chapter on brain development to provide a background for understanding when and how seizures and epilepsy can emerge. Recent clinical research indicates strong relationship between childhood epilepsy and developmental cognitive impairment. This connection can be studied in experimental animals and can uncover developmental mechanisms common to both conditions. Targeting those mechanisms might reveal disease-modifying treatments. Febrile seizures are very common in the pediatric population and their impact on further epilepsy development is explored. The link between immunity, inflammation and epileptogenesis in the developing brain is explored. Many developmental epilepsies arise from brain malformations or neuronal migration deficits; some juvenile epilepsies have a clear genetic basis while the etiology of others is less certain. Recently, the involvement of the mTOR pathway in certain childhood epilepsy syndromes was recognized, prompting the repurposing of drugs used in cancer treatment for therapy of these specific epilepsy syndromes. Steroid hormones have significant hormonal effects on neurotransmitter receptors and function, and therefore have an impact on childhood epilepsy; sex steroids may have long term organizational effects on brain structure and epilepsy development. Stress, even early in development, may affect the developing brain and lead to behavioral changes as well as increased susceptibility to seizures.

Febrile seizures are the most common seizures in infants and children worldwide, This fact provides strong impetus to study and understand them and their consequences, and consider their treatment. These topics were the focus of the first edition of this book. The 20 years since the publication of this first edition have witnessed an explosion of new information about febrile seizures, meriting this new edition. Key advances have been made in the genetics and neurobiological underpinnings of febrile seizures and especially the very long fever-related seizures called febrile status epilepticus. The role of neuroinflammatory factors in the emergence of these seizures and their consequences, the demonstration of unique clinical and neuroradiological aspects of febrile status epilepticus, and the prospect of predictive (bio)markers to identify and characterize cognitive and epilepsy outcomes are exciting and important. In this edition, the authors and editors tackle these developments in chapters addressing the questions of parents, physicians, allied health care professionals and basic and translational scientists.

The Nutrition and Health series of books has an overriding mission to provide health professionals with texts that are considered essential because each includes: (1) a synthe sis of the state of the science, (2) timely, in -depth reviews by the leading researchers in their respective fields, (3) extensive, up-to-date, fully annotated reference lists, (4) a detailed index, (5) relevant tables and figures, (6) identification of paradigm shifts and the consequences, (7) suggestions of areas for future research, and (8) balanced, data driven answers to patient /health professionals questions that are based upon the totality of evidence rather than the findings of any single study. The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter as well as in the choice of chapter authors. The international perspective, especially with regard to public health initiatives, is emphasized where appropriate. The editors, whose trainings are both research- and practice-oriented, have the opportunity to develop a primary objective for their book; define the scope and focus, and then invite the leading authorities from around the world to be part oftheir initiative. The authors are encouraged to provide an overview of the field, discuss their own research, and relate the research findings to potential human health consequences."