W. Henry Smithson & Matthew C. Walker 
ABC of Epilepsy 

ABC of Epilepsy provides a practical guide for general
practitioners, and all those working in primary care, on the
diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsy, and for the
continued monitoring and long term support of what is still a
relatively poorly understood neurological disorder.

This brand new title in the ABC series is highly
illustrated throughout and presents what epilepsy is, its
classification, and how to diagnose it. It covers anti-epileptic
drugs and non-drug treatments, as well as self-management and
living with epilepsy.

Edited by a general practitioner and neurologist team, the
ABC of Epilepsy reflects current NICE guidelines and is
ideal for all GPs, primary health care professionals, practice
nurses and specialist nurses, and non-specialist medical staff who
play an increasing role in monitoring and managing of epilepsy
patients.

Table of Content

Contributors, vii

Foreword, ix

Preface, xi

1 What is Epilepsy? Incidence, Prevalence and Aetiology,
1

W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C. Walker

2 Describing and Classifying the Condition, 4

Colin D. Ferrie and Matthew C. Walker

3 Making the Diagnosis – Taking a History, Clinical
Examination, Investigations, 9

Jan Bagshaw, Matthew C. Walker, Colin D. Ferrie, Mike P. Kerr
and W. Henry Smithson

4 Managing the Drug Treatment of Epilepsy, 14

Colin D. Ferrie, Mike P. Kerr, W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C.
Walker

5 Non-drug Treatments Including Epilepsy Surgery,
18

Colin D. Ferrie, W. Henry Smithson and Matthew C. Walker

6 Prolonged or Repeated Seizures, 21

Matthew C. Walker

7 Special Groups – Women, Children, Learning
Disability and the Elderly, 23

Jan Bagshaw, Colin D. Ferrie and Mike P. Kerr

8 Monitoring and Review – How to Manage the
Condition Long Term, 27

Colin D. Ferrie, Alice Hanscomb and Mike P. Kerr

9 Living with Epilepsy – Information, Support and
Self-Management, 30

Alice Hanscomb and W. Henry Smithson

Appendix: Epilepsy Charities, 34

Index, 35

About the author

W. Henry Smithson is a General Practitioner and Acting Head,
Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, Medical School, University
of Sheffield

Matthew C. Walker is Professor of Neurology, UCL
Institute of Neurology, University College London and National
Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London