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Published online 21 April 2005
Advances in epilepsy
Epilepsy Group, Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, St Georges University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
* Correspondence to: Dr Hannah R. Cock, Epilepsy Group, Clinical Neurosciences, St Georges Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE. E-mail: hcock{at}sghms.ac.uk
Advances in understanding of both the causes and consequences of epilepsy have been paralleled by a number of recent reports and clinical guidelines highlighting the complexities involved in both diagnosing and treating epilepsy. We review recent developments, including comments on the evolution of clinical guidelines, anti-epileptic drugs, epilepsy surgery and new treatment approaches in development. Epilepsy genetics and emerging evidence on mechanisms of drug resistance in epilepsy will also be discussed. Issues with respect to pregnancy and epilepsy are considered, together with more recently identified dilemmas including bone health in epilepsy and whether seizures themselves cause brain damage. Imaging in epilepsy has recently been reviewed elsewhere, and will not be discussed.