Epileptic Seizures--Behaviour--Pain

The odd title of this book suggests a hodge-podge of unrelated contributions; actually these conference proceedings concern the use of carbamazepine (Tegretol) in the treatment of seizure, behavior disorders, and pain syndromes. The participants at this St Moritz conference were predominately from the German-speaking countries of central Europe, with a sprinkling from France, England, Spain, and Sweden. The New World was represented by individuals from the United States (Penry), Mexico, and Brazil. The presentations were in several languages and most of the discussion was in German, but the proceedings have been completely translated into English. Much basic information about carbamazepine is presented. The serum half-life in normal subjects always exceeds 30 hours; epileptics receiving long-term treatment, however, metabolize carbamazepine more rapidly, necessitating at least twice daily dosage. The marked interindividual variation in oral dosage required to reach a given blood level emphasizes the clinical values of serum carbamazepine determinations. Several