The generic term 'epilepsy' embraces a particular group of disorders of the CNS but by itself is of limited clinical value. Intense clinical and genetic research over the last few decades has identified a large number of well-defined epilepsy syndromes with different clinical, electroencephalograms (EEG), neuropsychological and neuroim-aging profiles, natural history and prognosis, conditions that ultimately require different management. There is evidence that early treatment can reduce the risk of seizure recurrence (First Seizure Trial Group, 1993), and its efficacy depends largely on the appropriate drug choice in relation to the particular clinical syndrome. Therefore, a diagnosis of epilepsy is no longer sufficient; identification of the particular form or syndrome is the cornerstone of meaningful, optimal management.
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