Inherited Metabolic Epilepsies edited by PearlPhillip, 400 pp., Demos Medical, 2013, $95

Abstract

edited by Phillip Pearl, 400 pp., Demos Medical, 2013, $95 While the inborn errors of metabolism account for a relatively small proportion of children with new-onset epilepsy, these disorders frequently cause progressive disability and are associated with other neurologic symptoms such as developmental delay or regression and motor or movement disorders. Early, accurate diagnosis is essential, as specific therapies beyond antiepileptic medication may be required to prevent progression of neurologic symptoms and afford seizure control. Furthermore, these disorders are inherited, mandating genetic counseling. This area of inherited metabolic disorders is one of the most complex, comprising a large number of disorders, which frequently require very specific testing to identify. Thus, Inherited Metabolic Epilepsies fills a much-needed niche and is a valuable addition to the library of pediatric epileptologists and child neurologists.