[Syndromic approach of epilepsy: usefulness for therapeutic choices]

The international classification of the epilepsies and epileptic syndromes is a useful tool to classify epilepsies with major therapeutic and prognostic implications. The current classification is based on clinical, electroencephalographic and aetiological criteria that allow the definition of distinct syndromes with a common clinical presentation, and prognosis. Epileptic syndrome are separated according to their topography (focal, generalized, undetermined) and to their presumed aetiology (idiopathic, cryptogenic, symptomatic). Its widespread utilisation has greatly contributed to the current understanding of epilepsy. It is now well known that inappropriate anti-epileptic drugs may cause worsening of seizures and that the syndromic epilepsy type may guide to select the adequate treatment. The syndromic classification brings also major prognostic informations that may be useful to the practitioners and their patients.