This volume is a second undertaking - following the proceedings of the first workshop published in 1982 under the title Genetic Basis of the Epilepsies -to review our current knowledge on the genetics of epilepsies. It also developed from a workshop held in Berlin in September 1986. It contains the papers presented by the speakers, but is revised to incorporate the results of the stimulating discussions. The main goals of the book are to stimulate communication across traditional disciplinary lines and further collaborative research, as well as to provide pediatricians, neurologists, and geneticists with a basic knowledge for genetic counselling while at the same time putting emphasis on the evidence of heterogeneity in this field. This book contains separate sections on population rates, family studies on selected syndromes, genetics of EEG characteristics, morbidity risk in offspring, and special methods and topics. Among the topics covered are the prospective evaluation of seizure morbidity in offspring of epileptic patients and the relationship of pharmacogenetics to epilepsy, two questions of current interest. The editors are greatly indebted to Mrs. Ilsebill Brookes, secretary of the Department of Neurology, Universitatsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Free University Berlin, for her valuable assistance in planning and arranging the workshop. Major funding was provided by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; Stiftung Michael; Freie Universitat Berlin; Boehringer, Ingelheim; Ciba-Geigy, Frankfurt; Desitin, Hamburg; Hoff mann-La Roche, Grenzach; Knoll, Ludwigshafen; Labaz, Munich; Nordmark, Uetersen; Parke-Davis, Munich, and Schering, Berlin. The editors are indebted to these institutions and firms for their generous support.

Opening Address

Population Rates of Epileptic Seizures and Epileptic Syndromes
Epidemiologic Measurements for the Determination of Genetic Risks
Clinical Syndromes of Epilepsy
Epilepsies and Epileptic Syndromes in a Neurological Seizure Clinic
Family Studies on Selected Syndromes
Genetic Analysis of Febrile Convulsions: Twin and Family Studies
Absences
Family Studies on the Genetics of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (Epilepsy with Impulsive Petit Mal)
Segregation Analysis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Is Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Polygenic?
Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centro-temporal Spikes
Genetics of the Partial Epilepsies
Genetics of EEG-Characteristics
Genetic Variation of the Normal Human EEG
Generalized Spikes and Waves
Photosensitivity
Morbidity Risk in Offspring
Genetic Risks in Offspring of Epileptic Parents
Morbidity Risk for Seizures and Epilepsy in Offspring of Patients with Epilepsy
Generalized Spike and Wave Paroxysm - Subclinical Signs of Seizure Liability in Offspring of Epileptic Patients
Febrile Convulsions, Epileptic Seizures and EEG Abnormalities in Offspring of Epileptic Mothers
Special Methods
Twin Studies in Epilepsy
HLA and Epilepsy
Plasma Amino Acid and Genetic Studies in Epilepsy
Special Topics
Genetic Variability in Fetal Response to Anticonvulsants
Experimental Neurogenetics of the Epilepsies
Perspectives: Clues in Mapping Epilepsy Genes
Closing Remarks.