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Rational Management of Epilepsy

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Abstract

Management of epilepsies in children has improved considerably over the last decade, all over the world due to the advances seen in the understanding of the patho-physiology of epileptogenesis, availability of both structural and functional imaging studies along with better quality EEG/video-EEG recordings and the availability of a plethora of newer anti-epileptic drugs which are tailormade to act on specific pathways. In spite of this, there is still a long way to go before one is able to be absolutely rational about which drug to use for which type of epilepsy. There have been a lot of advances in the area of epilepsy surgery and is certainly gaining ground for specific cases. Better understanding of the genetic basis of epilepsies will hopefully lead to a more rational treatment plan in the future. Also, a lot of work needs to be done to dispel various misunderstandings and myths about epilepsy which still exists in our country.

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Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital and Childs Trust Medical Research Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Venkataraman Viswanathan

  2. Flat - 2, Srikrupa Apartments, 21, 3rd Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmayur, Chennai, 6000041, Tamil Nadu, India

    Venkataraman Viswanathan

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  1. Venkataraman Viswanathan
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Correspondence to Venkataraman Viswanathan.

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Viswanathan, V. Rational Management of Epilepsy. Indian J Pediatr 81, 903–908 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1482-8

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