Navigating Life with Epilepsy

by David C. Spencer

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199358953
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/03/2016
Series:	Brain and Life Books
Pages:	312
Sales rank:	1,041,236
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

DAVID C. SPENCER, MD, FAAN is professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. He is director of the OHSU Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and director of the OHSU Epilepsy Fellowship Program. He has been involved in many areas of neurology and epilepsy education, including serving as an editor for the Neurology Patient Pages and on the editorial advisory board of Neurology Now, the American Academy of Neurology's magazine for anyone interested in brain health. He has served on education committees for the American Epilepsy Society and is a member of the American Epilepsy Society and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

About the AAN's NeurologyNow Book Series

Preface

I. Introduction [engagement and introduction of cases/patients who will appear throughout the book]
II. What is epilepsy?
a. General introduction and definitions b. Seizure types c. Epilepsy classification
III. How and why do seizures occur?
IV. Who develops epilepsy?
V. Establishing the diagnosis of epilepsy a. A visit with the neurologist i. A first seizure ii. An established diagnosis b. Testing i. EEG
ii. Brain imaging iii. Specialized testing
VI. Treatment of epilepsy a. Non-pharmacologic approaches and first aid b. Antiepileptic Medications i. Choice of medication ii. Adverse effects c. Epilepsy surgery d. Medical devices to treat epilepsy e. Complementary and alternative medicine f. Treatment in special populations i. Adolescents ii. Women iii. Older adults
VII. Living with and Managing Epilepsy a. Navigating the day-to-day [driving, work, legal issues, relationships]
b. Related brain conditions: cognitive problems, mood, anxiety, and more c. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
d. Making your clinic visit successful
VIII. The future of epilepsy care

Glossary
Resources/Appendices/ Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Cheryl Leiningen, DNP, RN, APN-BC, PMHNP-BC(Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies)
Description: This epilepsy guide for patients, their families and their caregivers is a valuable resource for both the newly diagnosed and those already living with epilepsy. It starts with basic information and covers diagnosis, treatment, and other issues surrounding this neurologic disorder. This is part of the Neurology Now series that focuses on the needs of individuals with neurological disorders. It covers adult and adolescent concerns, not on the specific needs of younger children with epilepsy.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to all questions about epilepsy. The author helps readers to understand the basic physiology of seizures and epilepsy. It starts with the diagnosis, gives a step-by-step explanation of treatment options, and covers some of the psychosocial challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy.
Audience: Written in a straightforward manner and intended for people living with epilepsy, the book is also a valuable resource for their families and caregivers. Personal stories are threaded throughout making the information relatable and easy to read. Dr. Spencer, an expert in epilepsy, is a professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University and director of the OHSU Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and director of the OHSU Epilepsy Fellowship Program.
Features: This is an educational resource and a source of support for anyone affected by epilepsy. It provides an overview of key areas of diagnosis and treatments both pharmacological and nonpharmacological. It discusses psychosocial areas related to work, safety, and relationships. It also focuses on the challenges that people with epilepsy face, with illustrations of personal patient stories so readers do not feel like they are alone. Finally, it has a glossary and appendixes with other readings and resources for additional information.
Assessment: This book is written in a way that nonmedical readers can understand and covers the journey through diagnosis, treatment, and personal life struggles of a person with epilepsy. It has minimal illustrations, but it makes up for this by providing an all-inclusive guide to epilepsy. It provides a wealth of knowledge and support for patients and caregivers and should be required reading for anyone diagnosed with epilepsy.

Doody's Review Service

"As an epilepsy specialist, this book impressed; as a patient, it will impress greatly. It is accessible yet comprehensive. Practitioners and persons with epilepsy will appreciate having a book that explains, in more detail than a typical office visit, so much about epilepsy- from the basic physiology, syndromes, diagnosis, treatment and life management. Treatment decisions and options deserve, and get, several chapters: treatment is complicated, ranging from diets, to medication, to surgical interventions; all have quality of life as the desired outcome. Patients and loved ones will appreciate the tips on what may be in store at various stages, including information about first aid and preparing for clinic visits. Readable, informative, from an acknowledged expert: a winning combination and an easy recommendation." —Robert A. Gross MD, PhD, FANA, FAAN, Professor of Neurology and of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Editor-in-Chief, Neurology Journals

"The book Navigating Life with Epilepsy by Dr. David Spencer is a practical advisor for people to epilepsy. In clear, non-medical language it explains basic medical facts about seizures, tests and treatments available. It explains that treatment is always a team approach and also includes controversies. With the help of patient stories medical facts are nicely illustrated. It informs about women's issues, memory problems with epilepsy, alternative treatment methods and much more. It is helpful for the day-to-day life with epilepsy and discusses stigma that people with epilepsy unfortunately still face. Books like this help to address the still lingering stigma, for which it is our society's responsibility to erase." —Barbara C. Jobst, MD, Dr. med, FAAN; Professor of Neurology; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Director Dartmouth-Hitchcock Epilepsy Center; Section Chief, Department of Neurology; Hanover, NH

From the Publisher