Mysteries of epilepsy

110 Puzzling cases of epilepsy.

Dieter Schmidt, Steven C Schachter (editors). London: Martin Dunitz, 2002 (xxiv + 451pp). ISBN 1 85317 962 0.

The editors of this book have asked over 100 epilepsy experts from around the world to contribute a case study of epilepsy that provided a clinical teaching message. Their collection gathers presentations of unusual causes and surprising clinical courses, as well as unforeseen problems and unexpected solutions.

Those expecting carefully crafted biographical short stories in the style of Oliver Sacks will be disappointed, but the book is fun and easy to read. Many of the cases are fascinating, and titles like “A patient who would not leave his apartment for hours every three days” impart a sense of mystery to engage and challenge the reader. The cases are brief, and the messages clearly enunciated. Despite the numerous authors, the quality is relatively even.

Although there is an index, this is not a volume that can be consulted easily when seeking the answer to a specific question related to epilepsy. However, the clinical case approach championed here does provide a counterpoint to cohort studies and multi-centre trials, in which subtleties of clinical diagnosis and patient-specific situations may be lost.

Those with a clinical interest in epilepsy will enjoy and benefit from this book. It is clearly intended for those with at least a basic, if not a moderately advanced, knowledge of this important subject.

Samuel F BerkovicDirector, Epilepsy Research Institute West Heidelberg, VIC