A Guide To Understanding And Living With Epilepsy

This easy-to-read guide for lay persons offers an overview of the medical and social topics relevant to epilepsy, including diagnosis and treatment, epilepsy in children and adults, legal and financial issues, and available resources. Includes a complete glossary of terms and anti epileptic drugs, plus tables and illustrations.

"This book is comprehensive and up-to-date, and it can be recommended confidently to patients and families." -- May 2004 issue of Psychiatric Times"Ideal for the patient and family member who wishes to go beyond what is routinely available in patient education brochures. It is difficult to find any other publication that is so inclusive in regard to the variety of issues facing patients and family members with epilepsy." -- Medical Science Books.com"People with seizure disorders (and their families) need a source of information that is readable, reliable, and credible. This book is such a source of information -- and it does an excellent job in fulfilling this role." -- Le Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques, Volume 29, No. 4, November 2002 Vincent Van Gogh is an inspiration for all of us. His artwork -- like the beautiful sunflowers on the cover -- is a constant reminder of how he fulfilled his potential despite living with epilepsy. So can you. Epilepsy expert, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, provides an easy-to-read guide to understanding the disease so that patients can achieve -- and maintain -- a higher quality of life. This book will educate recently-diagnosed patients, as well as those who have been living with epilepsy for years. Arm your patients with reliable and factual knowledge about epilepsy, dispel uncertainties and fears, build independence, and help patients become their own advocates.Ideal for adults with epilepsy or for parents of children with the disorder, the reader will learn about: The nature and diversity of seizures. The factors that can cause seizures or help to prevent them. The risks and benefits of selected anticonvulsants. Medical and surgical therapies for seizures. Various ways diet affects seizures.

Although epilepsy is one of the nation's most common neurological disorders, public understanding of it is limited. Many people do not know the causes of epilepsy or what they should do if they see someone having a seizure. Epilepsy is a complex spectrum of disorders that affects an estimated 2.2 million Americans in a variety of ways, and is characterized by unpredictable seizures that differ in type, cause, and severity. Yet living with epilepsy is about much more than just seizures; the disorder is often defined in practical terms, such as challenges in school, uncertainties about social situations and employment, limitations on driving, and questions about independent living. The Institute of Medicine was asked to examine the public health dimensions of the epilepsies, focusing on public health surveillance and data collection; population and public health research; health policy, health care, and human services; and education for people with the disorder and their families, health care providers, and the public. In Epilepsy Across the Spectrum, the IOM makes recommendations ranging from the expansion of collaborative epilepsy surveillance efforts, to the coordination of public awareness efforts, to the engagement of people with epilepsy and their families in education, dissemination, and advocacy for improved care and services. Taking action across multiple dimensions will improve the lives of people with epilepsy and their families. The realistic, feasible, and action-oriented recommendations in this report can help enable short- and long-term improvements for people with epilepsy. For all epilepsy organizations and advocates, local, state, and federal agencies, researchers, health care professionals, people with epilepsy, as well as the public, Epilepsy Across the Spectrum is an essential resource.

"Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in children, adults, and the elderly. The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that over 2.7 million people in the U.S have epilepsy, and an additional 181,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Despite these numbers, epilepsy is often misunderstood. Individuals diagnosed with epilepsy face many difficulties and lifestyle changes. A proper understanding of epilepsy is a vital first step toward managing this disease and maintaining a normal life. Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life is an excellent resource for individuals who are diagnosed with epilepsy. Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, it contains practical and reliable information written in layman's terms. Filled with helpful tables and illustrations, this guide will answer commonly asked questions about epilepsy, explain how it is diagnosed and treated both with medications and other treatment options. It also discusses: Diet Epilepsy and pregnancy Sports and epilepsy Surgical treatment The effects of epilepsy in different age groups And much more! Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life is essential reading for all people with epilepsy seeking a better quality of life, and for family members and caregivers needing a better understanding of this condition."

Embark on a journey toward better comprehension and management of epilepsy with this informative guidebook. Offering a comprehensive overview, this resource equips readers with essential knowledge about epilepsy's diverse forms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Written in an accessible style, it explores coping strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and practical tips for individuals living with epilepsy, empowering them to navigate daily challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this guide provides invaluable insights and tools to foster a deeper understanding of epilepsy and cultivate a supportive environment for those affected.

The main goal of this book is to help people with epilepsy by offering facts that would remove the fear caused by misinformation by encouraging these individuals to assume a greater role in their treatment.

Machine generated note from pages vii & viii: "This book is intended to help people living directly or indirectly with epilepsy and others, interested in knowing more about the disease and its impacts an management. It covers basic information including defining epilepsy, outlines th different types of seizures, possible treatment options, and how to safely live with epilepsy. In other words, it is an introduction to a complex neurological disease its impacts, and their mitigation. Your technical questions will be answered by your medical specialists, your neurologists, and paediatricians, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of epilepsy. This book can be used as starting point in those conversations. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 is mainly about understanding epilepsy; Part 2 is mainly about managing epilepsy; and Part 3, entitled "Living with epilepsy", comprises a set of powerful stories by twelve people who have epilepsy or support or care for someone with epilepsy."

Welcome to a life where epilepsy doesn't limit your choices - we present The Epilepsy Guide. "Let's live a normal life with epilepsy." This empowering resource is a trusted resource with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to break free and live life to the fullest without being a burden of seizures. Travel with experts in the field, compassionate people, and fellow athletes who have experienced the ups and downs of epilepsy firsthand. This comprehensive guide contains a wealth of practical, expert advice designed to guide you on a transformative path to living a normal life despite the challenges that epilepsy can pose. Includes hints and heartfelt stories. Discover a variety of effective strategies for managing your condition, from medication management and seizure control techniques to understanding your triggers and creating an individualized seizure action plan. Harness the power of self-care by putting your physical, emotional, and mental health first and developing the resilience you need to face life's twists and turns. This book celebrates the achievements and resilience of people with epilepsy and provides valuable insight into maintaining healthy relationships, pursuing educational and career goals, and pursuing fulfilling hobbies and activities. Discover the secrets to successfully communicating with loved ones, friends, and colleagues and breaking through the barriers of misconceptions and prejudices related to epilepsy. Let the epilepsy guide: Living a normal life with epilepsy is a guide to regaining control, confidence, and joy in all aspects of life. Discover a world of support networks, advocacy resources, and community connections where you can become an advocate for yourself and others in the epilepsy community. Written with compassion and expertise, this guide serves as a beacon of hope and a path to making a normal life with epilepsy not only possible but desirable. Make epilepsy your constant companion and remind yourself that epilepsy does not define you. Epilepsy is just one part of an extraordinary journey to recovery, strength, and fulfilling life. Seize the possibilities that await you on this transformative journey - discover your path to freedom and live the life you've always envisioned, despite your epilepsy. Let the epilepsy guide: Let 'Living a normal life with epilepsy' be your guide!