Idiopathic generalised epilepsies are characterised by strong genetic factors and multiple clinical phenotypes; animal models of untreated epilepsies are relevant to some of the clinical syndromes found in humans. This volume is the first to confront human clinical, animal (experimental) as well as basic and applied genetic data. Main section headings: Current approaches; Familial neonatal and infantile convulsions; Absence seizures and absence epilepsy; Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and related syndromes; Photosensitivity; Pathophysiology of convulsive seizures; Fundamental and therapeutic aspects.