New Definition and Classifications of Epilepsy Among Highlights of the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting

Abstract

M ore than 5 million children and adults suffer from epilepsy, but diagnosis and treatment remains challenging. A new classification system rolled out at the recent American Epilepsy Society annual meeting should help make diagnosis easier, ensuring earlier identification of epilepsy and more timely treatment. Other cutting-edge research, insights and best practices presented at the meeting focused on surgical and minimally invasive treatment options, the use of anti-epileptic drugs in pregnant women, the potential benefits of cannabidiol oil in patients refractory to standard treatment and the underdiagnosis of infantile spasms.