In the field of epilepsy, original observations are often the key to diagnosis and successful treatment. Indeed, the acumen to recognize the unexpected or unusual case distinguishes astute physicians. Further, case observations may prompt and stimulate basic science experiments and well-controlled clinical research. Yet illustrative reports and vignettes seem to have lost their appeal and are increasingly viewed with disdain as evidence-free medicine. Dieter Schmidt and Steven Schachter believe that original observations are fine examples of human curiosity and the quintessence of medical science, especially in epilepsy. For this reason, they have asked colleagues from around the world to contribute a case study, one that taught the clinician an important lesson and influenced the way they approached the care of their patients. From pediatric to the elderly, from contractible to refractive, this bestselling short text contains 110 cases covering all aspects of epilepsy. Each case follows the same format.
Christine Adam MD, UEROS, Soisy sur Seine, France Claude Adam MD, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, France Albert P Aldenkamp MD, Epilepsiecentrum Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands Taoufik