Reflex Epilepsies for the Practicing Clinician

Most patients diagnosed with reflex epilepsies experience seizures induced by light stimuli or by sudden unexpected noises. In some patients, however, seizures may also be triggered by more complex precipitants such as reading, emotion, or certain movements or activities. The neurophysiological bases and clinical manifestations associated with these conditions are variable and must be distinguished from those related to other commonly observed seizure precipitating factors such as sleep deprivation, alcohol intake, or menstrual cycles whose relationship with the onset of seizures is not directly linked to the specific mechanisms of seizure genesis operating in reflex epilepsies.

Reflex Epilepsies for the Practicing Clinician brings together international experts in the field of reflex epilepsies to share their experiences and knowledge. This book explores the rapidly changing genetic scene, characteristic investigations, findings, and appropriate treatments for reflex epilepsies. Focusing on clinical symptoms and signs, diagnostic criteria, investigations, and best therapies available at the present time for these niche epilepsy diagnoses, it highlights the latest findings on the most appropriate work-up of patients with reflex seizures and epilepsies.

• An in-depth study for practicing epileptologists, sharing various experts’ knowledge and experiences.
• Distinguishes between commonly observed triggers and more complex precipitants on a neurophysiological basis.
• Includes useful information on genetic testing, available therapies, and diagnostic criteria for clinicians.

CONTENTS

1: Seizures Caused by Visual Stimulation
Dorothée Kasteleijn- Nolst Trenité
2: Reflex Photosensitive Epilepsy: Sunflower syndrome
Kennedy R. Geenen and Elizabeth A. Thiele
3: Reflex Epilepsies in Somatosensory Precipitants
Guido Rubboli, Benedetta Kassabian, Elena Gardella
4: Epilepsies With Seizures Precipitated by Cognitive Tasks
Angelo Pascarella, Lucia Manzo, Oreste Marsico, Pietro Bruno, Vittoria Cianci, Sara Gasparini, Umberto Aguglia, and Edoardo Ferlazzo
5: Musicogenic Epilepsy
Brian Jung and John M. Stern
6: Hot Water Epilepsy
L.G. Viswanathan, Sanjib Sinha, Parthasathy Satishchandra
7: Eating Epilepsy
Ajay Asranna, Parthasathy Satishchandra, Sanjib Sinha
8: Genetic Testing on Epilepsies with Reflex Seizures
Simona Balestrini and Renzo Guerrini
9: EEG Studies in Reflex Epilepsies
Gaetano Cantalupo and Tommaso Lo Barco