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Epilepsy 2011 Section Six: Medical treatment of epilepsy

Chapter 25: Mechanisms of action of anti-epileptic drugs

G. Sills

In this chapter:

  • Current anti-epileptic drug targets
  • Mechanisms of action of existing agents
  • Implications of mechanisms of actions

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Chapter 26: Starting anti-epileptic drug treatment: the treatment of newly diagnosed epilepsy

J.W. Sander and A. Nicholson

In this chapter:

  • Diagnosis
  • The single seizure
  • Precipitating factors
  • Adherence to treatment
  • Prospective risk of epilepsy
  • Starting treatment
  • Choice of drug
  • Problems
  • Prognosis

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Chapter 27: The management of chronic epilepsy

J.S. Duncan and A. Nicholson

In this chapter:

  • Anti-epileptic drug treatment in patients with chronic epilepsy
  • Holistic issues

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Chapter 28: Overview of established anti-epileptic drugs

J.W. Sander

In this chapter:

  • Carbamazepine
  • Clobazam
  • Clonazepam
  • Ethosuximide
  • Gabapentin
  • Lamotrigine
  • Phenytoin
  • Phenobarbitone
  • Piracetam
  • Primidone
  • Sodium valproate (valproic acid)
  • Tiagabine
  • Topiramate
  • Vigabatrin

Download Overview of established anti-epileptic drugs (pdf format, will open in a new browser window). 

Chapter 29: New anti-epileptic drugs

J.W. Sander

In this chapter:

  • New AEDs marketed in the UK
  • AEDs marketed elsewhere
  • Antiepileptic drugs currently in development

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Chapter 30: Drug treatment of paediatric epilepsy

R.E. Appleton and J.H. Cross

  • In this chapter:
  • Basic principles
  • Polytherapy
  • Drugs available
  • Which drug?

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Chapter 31: Pharmacokinetic interactions between antiepileptic drugs

P.N. Patsalos

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Chapter 32: Stopping anti-epileptic drug treatment

J.W. Sander

In this chapter:

  • Medical factors
  • Employment
  • Driving
  • Leisure pursuits
  • Contraception and pregnancy

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Chapter 33: Treatment of tonic-clonic status epilepticus

M.C. Walker and S.D. Shorvon

In this chapter:

  • General measures
  • Treatment of tonic-clonic status epilepticus
  • Stages in emergency

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Chapter 34: Treatment of non-convulsive status epilepticus

M.C. Walker

In this chapter:

  • Diagnosis
  • Neuronal damage and non-convulsive status epilepticus
  • Specific forms of non-convulsive status epilepticus
  • Non-convulsive status epilepticus in coma

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Chapter 35: Non-pharamcological approaches to seizure control

P.J. Thompson and S.A. Baxendale

In this chapter:

  • Behaviour therapy
  • Avoidance
  • Desensitisation
  • Counter measures
  • Biofeedback
  • Operant conditioning
  • Cognitive therapy
  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy
  • Hypnosis
  • Alternative therapy
  • Lifestyle focused approaches

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