Epileptic Encephalopathies in Adulthood

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, and thanks to the continuous efforts of the ILAE and prominent experts in the field, the concept of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) has been set as a heterogeneous group of severe, rare and complex epilepsies characterized by early onset, usually drug-resistant seizures, specific EEG abnormalities, and encephalopathy. The concept was further refined so that the term developmental encephalopathy (DE) refers to cases where the developmental delay is the direct result of the underlying cause of epilepsy, and the epileptiform activity has a minimal effect on brain function. In contrast, the term epileptic encephalopathy (EE) applies when the epileptic activity itself contributes to severe cognitive and behavioral impairments above and beyond those expected from the underlying etiology alone.

The etiology of epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) can be genetic, acquired, or both, and may occur in the background of normal or abnormal brain development.

Epileptic encephalopathies in adulthood are rarely tested genetically and often remain undiagnosed. There is a limited number of studies describing the electroclinical phenotype–genotype relationship, and the disease course in this age group of patients.

The recognition of a particular electroclinical phenotype–genotype relationship in adults with EEs will provide more information and allow for better clinical management and prediction of their outcome. The recent progress in genetic testing and the development of precision medicine approaches will undoubtedly be an important step forward for the most effective treatment and a better quality of life in adult patients with EEs.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide novel insights on the evolving field of epileptic encephalopathies in adulthood by precisely defining the adult electroclinical phenotype–genotype relationship and highlighting potential therapeutic targets based on phenotype–genotype correlations. Another important aspect of this Special Issue relates to the transition process of patients with rare and complex epilepsies from childhood to adulthood, a process that should certainly employ a multidisciplinary and holistic approach.

With these thoughts in mind, we invite you to submit manuscripts for this Special Issue, entitled “Epileptic Encephalopathies in Adulthood”. Full papers, brief communications, case reports, reviews, and retrospective analyses are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Vasilios K. Kimiskidis
Dr. Martha G. Spilioti
Guest Editors

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• developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE)
• epileptic encephalopathies (EEs)
• adult electroclinical phenotype–genotype correlation
• transitional care
• precision medicine therapies
• multidisciplinary approach
• outcome of EEs