Epilepsy is a condition that can occur at any age. It is often characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. For some individuals, epilepsy will be a lifelong condition, while for others it may be a condition they outgrow. This practical guide explains not only the complexities of epilepsy but also details the evidence-based, best-practice treatments that help manage the condition. It also includes the lived experience of families.
The writing of Epilepsy was led by Dr. Charbel El Kosseifi, Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist at Gillette Children’s, a world-renowned center of excellence for the treatment of brain, bone, and movement conditions. Epilepsy is part of the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series, a series of books for families who are looking for clear, comprehensive information. Health care professionals, researchers, educators, students, and extended family members will also benefit from reading Epilepsy.
Other titles in the series include:
- Craniosynostosis
- Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Spastic Hemiplegia - Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic Quadriplegia - Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic Diplegia - Bilateral Cerebral Palsy, second edition
- Spina Bifida
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Scoliosis - Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic, and Other Causes
Table of Contents
Authors and Editors
Series Foreword by Dr. Tom F. Novacheck
SERIES INTRODUCTION
1 SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY: AN OVERVIEW
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Causes, risk Factors, and prevalence
1.3 Seizure first aid
1.4 Differential diagnosis of a seizure
Key points Chapter1
2 UNDERSTANDING SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY
2.1 Introduction
2.2 A first seizure: Provoked or unprovoked?
2.3 Classification of seizures
2.4 Phases of a seizure
2.5 Classification of epilepsy
2.6 Overview of epilepsy management
2.7 Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Key points Chapter 2
3 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The brain
3.3 Neurons
3.4 Seizure threshold
Key points Chapter 3
4 EEG AND SEIZURE DETECTION
WITH ABIGAIL CARLSON, BS, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, NA-CLTM
4.1 Introduction to EEG
4.2 What happens during EEG?
4.3 Interpreting the EEG recording
4.4 Phases of a seizure and EEG
4.5 Seizure recording and detection
Key points Chapter 4
5 DIAGNOSIS OF EPILEPSY
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Brain imaging
5.3 Laboratory tests
5.4 Lumbar puncture
5.5 Genetic testing
Key points Chapter 5
6 CAUSES OF EPILEPSY
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Structural
6.3 Genetic
6.4 Infectious
6.5 Metabolic
6.6 Immune
6.7 Unknown
Key points Chapter 6
7 EPILEPSY SYNDROMES
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Onset in the neonatal period and infancy
7.3 Onset in childhood
7.4 Onset in adolescence and adulthood
7.5 Onset at a variable age
Key points Chapter 7
8 MANAGEMENT OF EPILEPSY
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Pharmaceutical management
8.3 Non-pharmaceutical management
WITH KARRI LARSON, RD, LD
8.4 Other medications or supplements
8.5 Alternative and complementary therapies
Key points Chapter 8
9 COMORBIDITIES OF EPILEPSY
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Neurological and neurodevelopmental comorbidities
9.3 Physical comorbidities
9.4 Psychiatric comorbidities
Key points Chapter 9
10 GROWING UP WITH EPILEPSY
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Psychosocial impact of epilepsy
10.3 Activity modifications and lifestyle considerations
10.4 Education and career planning
10.5 Transition to adult care
WITH TORI BAHR, MD
10.6 Family planning and pregnancy
Key points Chapter10
11 LIVING WITH EPILEPSY
12 FURTHER READING AND RESEARCH
WITH ELIZABETH R. BOYER, PhD
Acknowledgments
APPENDICES (ONLINE)
Appendix 1: A short history of epilepsy
Appendix 2: Seizure mimics
Appendix 3: Seizure and epilepsy terminology
Appendix 4: Neurons and seizures
Appendix 5: Genetic testing and epilepsy
Appendix 6: Epilepsy syndromes
Appendix 7: Mechanism of action of antiseizure medications
Glossary
References
Index
