Recent Situtation and Future Advancements

50 years are an extended epoch to consider for developments in epileptology. Th erefore only a selection of important milestones can be covered with regard to available space. After looking back to the past current activities and important aspects for future research will be discussed. Concerning epidemiology one of the fi rst important studies investigated the role of precipitation of epileptic seizures. 26 to 50 % (Pond et al. 1960) recognized triggering mechanisms. Electrophysiology for epilepsy was used by Gibbs (1935) demonstrating epi-leptiforme activities in the EEG. Functional anatomy of the brain was studied by Foerster (1936) and Pen-fi eld and Jasper (1945). Whereas x-ray roentgenogra-phy was used early after Roentgen`s discovery. Pneu-moencephalography was systemtically investigated by Dandy (1916). Th e window to neurobiology and epilepsies was opend by Meyer (1954) suggesting for epileptogenesis a dual component theory with genetic disposition plus injury. Gastaut (1954) infl uenced later international classifi cation approaches by defi ning a dichotomy of partial vs generalized seizures. Modern drug treatment using bromide was started by Locock (1854) and epilepsy surgery by Horsley (1886). Developments in the last 50 years permit nowadays predominant research activities concerning ge-nomics, computation, neuroscience, network analysis, neurochemistry, neurobiology, data base classifi cation, innovative treatment approaches and comprehensive patient care. Very important electrophysiological milestones in the 60ies were the defi nition of paroxysmal depolari-sation shift by Matsumoto and Ajmonemarsan (1964), the clinical use of video EEG (simultaneous double picture registration = SDA) by Penin (1966) and steretoactic electrocenphalography (SEEG) by Ban-caud and Talairach (1969). Imaging of epilepies came up in the 70ies using computertomography (Banna et al., 1975) and Gastaut (1976). Th e experiences indicated that computertomography is very helpful for the detection of lesions in epilepsies, but the quality of images as well as the fi rst MRI images in epilepsies still was insuffi cient to detect small lesions at the beginning of its use (Huk et al. 1984). In the 80ies two new classifi cation concepts at a major input into epilepsy research and clinical management. Th ese are the international classifi cations of epileptic seizures 1981 and classifi cation of epileptic syndromes 1998. Seizures were classifi ed in partial or generalized seizures using ictal sings and EEG. In addition etilogy, age and prognosis were used to defi ne epileptic syndromes. After collecting these data a differentiation into symptomatic epilepsies, cryptogenic and idiopathic is performed. Th e knowledge of diff …