Classification and Epilepsy: The Future Awaits

Abstract

By now, most are aware that changes are afoot in the concepts and terminology used for discussing and “classifying” epilepsy ( 1 ). The changes have been met with scorn and derision by some ( 2 , 3 ). In balance, they seem to be appreciated, not for being a final product but for finally moving the field from out of an archaic past in which it was stuck and into the present and, may we hope, the future. As it stands, the report, and its recommendations likely elicit feelings of dissatisfaction for not being complete, final, and carved in stone. The report did not even presume to present a new classification. The authors of the report share that frustration, with the caveat that little should ever be carved in stone in a field that is moving as rapidly as the life sciences.