Roughly 3 million people in the United States have already been diagnosed with epilepsy and another 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Worldwide, approximately 1 percent of the global population is diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lives. With the diagnosis come questions, concerns, and uncertainties from both the person diagnosed and their family. So, where to go? Navigating Life with Epilepsy provides accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about epilepsy shared from the two decades of experience of epileptologist David Spencer, MD, FAAN. This book guides the reader through the initial diagnosis, offers explanations on current approaches to diagnostic testing, medications, treatment options, and life management for the patient, their family, and their caregiver. Patient's stories are peppered throughout to illustrate that you are not alone: like you, they must navigate the myriad psychosocial challenges associated with epilepsy, including everyday concerns like driving, work, and relationships. Navigating Life with Epilepsy is a perfect resource for both patients with epilepsy and the family members and friends who care for them.

Treatment options, lifestyle strategies,and emotional support for two million Americans. Epilepsy, once mistakenly associated with demonic possession, has for centuries been a poorly understood illness. Today, though it affects nearly one out of every one hundred Americans, little comprehensive information can be found on bookshelves regarding this common and complex neurological disease. Until now! Using his expertise in pharmacology and neuroscience, Dr. Carl Bazil demystifies epilepsy and other seizure disorders and offers medical, practical, and emotional support to patients and their families. He explains how and why seizures occur, and thoroughly discusses treatment options, the pros and cons of surgery, experimental and alternative treatments, strategies for daily living, and much more. Substantiated with case examples, this useful book provides a much-needed window into epilepsy so that patients can achieve the full life they deserve.

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, affecting over 2.7 million people in the United States. Every year almost 200,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy and will face drastic lifestyle changes but a proper understanding of epilepsy is the first step toward managing this disease and living life to the fullest. Epilepsy: Patient and Family Guide, 3rd Edition offers a comprehensive and authoritative discussion of epilepsy for the patient. Written by a leading expert in the field, this extensively updated third edition incorporates many comments and suggestions from real patients and their families. This guide will answer commonly asked questions about epilepsy, dispel uncertainties and fears, and encourage those diagnosed with epilepsy to become strong advocates in their medical care. Ideal for patients or parents of children with epilepsy, this book discusses: The nature and diversity of seizures The factors that can cause or prevent seizures The most current information about all antiepileptic drugs Medical, surgical, and alternative therapies for seizures Legal, financial, and employment issues Epilepsy: Patient and Family Guide, 3rd Edition is an authoritative, go-to resource for all aspects of life with epilepsy.

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"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.