Outcome of Childhood Epilepsies

The aim of this book is to take a critical look at what is known about outcome of childhood epilepsies, specifically evidence-based findings, and further clarify the direction of clinical and fundamental research for the future. At the time a diagnosis of epilepsy is made for a child, it is highly desirable to predict seizure control and social outcome several months or even years later. Determination of outcome is, however, complex and in order to confront this challenge, a number of simple questions should be addressed: What is to be predicted? This may be seizure control, remission with or without ongoing AED treatment, intractability, social outcome, quality of life, or a combination of the above. What is the purpose of attempting to predict outcome and who will use the information? How accurate is the prediction?