Product Description

Off-the-shelf support containing all the vital information practitioners need to know about Epilepsy, this book includes

* Different types of seizures and what causes them

* What to do when a person has a seizure

* Advice on how to address school issues

* Organizing out of school activities

Product Description
Now in its fourth edition, "Fast Facts: Epilepsy" is a succinct and practical aid to diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of seizure disorders. The contents include: The diagnostic essentials - classification of seizures, conditions that can mimic epileptic seizures, clinical evaluation of the patient and the latest brain-imaging techniques; the principles of drug selection and therapy withdrawal; an up-to-date overview of all the anti-epileptic drugs on the market; the non-pharmacological options for patients with medically refractory epilepsy; special considerations for women, elderly people, teenagers and people with learning disabilities; psychiatric morbidities - depression, anxiety and psychosis; and, the effects of epilepsy on employment, driving, life insurance and lifestyle. The management of patients with epilepsy is a team effort involving medical and social service professionals and the patient's family, friends and co-workers. Primary care providers are at the forefront of care, usually performing the initial evaluation after the first seizure, making dose adjustments to the patient's drug treatment and providing ongoing support."Fast Facts: Epilepsy" is a compact handbook with an accessible and readable format. It is essential reading for all those involved with the unique clinical aspects of this common neurological disorder. ... Read more

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A benchmark synthesis of the current state of the science and clinical practice of the ketogenic diet. On the basic science side, the authors review what is known about the basic biochemical mechanisms of action of the KD at the molecular level, spelling out in detail its complex interactions with nutrient components, neurodevelopment, brain biochemistry, and physiology. They also examine the effects of the KD on the metabolism of fats, amino acids, and carbohydrates in the central nervous system at both the macro and cellular levels. On the clinical side, physicians, dietitians, and nurses provide a full range of information concerning the treatment of seizures with KD, including a detailed assessment of the indications for, and the contraindications and/or complications that arise from, its use, detailed equations that permit the caregiver to calculate the actual amounts of different types of foods that can be included in daily diet plans, and documented information on the carbohydrate and calorie content of hundreds of commonly used drugs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

summarises strong evidence for KD
The authors give a comprehensive explanation of how a ketogenic diet might be a treatment of epilepsy. The molecular basis of this model is covered. While not conclusive, when combined with the positive clinical data reported in the text, the implication is highly favourable. Even against intractable epilepsy, KD offers some remediation.

Many chapters have extensive references to the research literature on KD. Also, KD is investigated for possible efficacy against other disorders. Here, things are far more speculative. But maybe KD could be applied to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

A Thought Provoking Scientific Treatise on Epilepsy, Seizures and the Ketogenic Diet
Of all of the books I have read on epilepsy, few are "unique." This book fits that category well. It is fun to see what people that "think outside of the box " are writing.

The book is organized into three sections. Part I includes an introductory scientific chapter about seizures. It provides the reader with the theoretical background needed to understand the material in Part III (Basic Science) and several of the earlier chapters. Part II is mostly a "how to do it" (the ketogenic diet) for health care professionals. It also includes chapters on indications and complications. Section II concludes with a particularly intriguing chapter on other dietary treatments (besides the ketogenic diet) for epilepsy.

For this reader the high point of the book started with the first chapter in Part III and continued right to the end of the book. Biochemical effects of the ketogenic diet are examined, citing scientific studies. Possible explanations for the anti-seizure/anti-epileptic effect of the ketogenic diet are set forth; cerebral energy metabolism, effects on amino acids, molecular regulation, neuronal excitability, effects of caloric restriction, the role of norepinephrine, galanin and neuropeptide Y, etc. Some surprising results are noted. For example, in the chapter on caloric restriction it is suggested that high glucose levels may exacerbate human epilepsies. On a superficial level this is just the opposite of what medical students are taught; i.e., hypoglycemia (not hyperglycemia) causes seizures, which it can.

The "Afterword", is by Jim Abrahams, father of Charlie Abrahams of Charlie Foundation fame. The piece he wrote or something like it should be given to every parent of a child newly diagnosed with epilepsy. Not that all the kids should go on the ketogenic diet, but rather that the parents should know that treating epilepsy is a complicated and even "artsy" endeavor. They should also know that there are many factors that may possibly affect their child's seizures and that there are many treatment options available. Another fact that he alludes to is that early control is important and that if that fact were known, parental complacency early on would be rare.

In all fairness to physicians, most parents whether they realize it or not are quite distraught when their children first develop seizures. Instantaneous assimilation of massive amounts of information is difficult if not impossible under those circumstances even for the medically sophisticated parent. Physicians may be reluctant to throw everything at parents all at once. However, the high degree of parental focus precipitated by the crisis of a child developing a chronic disease, can be the driving force for a parent to devote great energies toward learning about their child's illness. The act of learning can to a great degree allay the extreme anxiety the parents may feel. Physicians can help by suggesting non-technical publications for the parents to read as a starting point in their quest for knowledge. They can also acknowledge the potential benefits of other treatments that the parents may have discovered on the Internet for example. It would be nice if physicians know what does not work as well, and have enough knowledge and credibility with the parents to be able to explain why.

This is a great book for clinicians that want to understand the possible scientific basis for the efficacy of the ketogenic diet. It will greatly broaden one's view of the disease as well.
... Read more

Product Description
This full-color beautifully illustrated tale tells thestory of Lee, a young rabbit who has her first seizure during afishing trip with her grandpa.Once home, her parents take her to thedoctor, who examines her and discovers that she has epilepsy.Lee'sdoctor explains epilepsy in clear, reassuring terms and gives herspecial medicine.Once Lee's seizures are controlled, she and herfamily discover that she can do everything she used to do, includingher favorite pastime, fishing with her grandpa. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good book for absence seizures
When my son was diagnosed with epilepsy, I was very surprised that this was the only children's book I could find on the subject. This is a good book, but my son suffered from grand mal seizures. This book is about absence seizures, in which you stare. It covered everything quite well and even mentioned other types of seizures. I would recommend, especially if your child suffers from absence seizures.

Good for young children with seizures
My daughter did like the book, it was helpful for her to understand the seizures

Great for Youngsters!
My 4 year old daughter recently had been diagnosed with Absence Seizures. This book was just what we needed.It gives her something to identify with.Lee also has Absence Seizures.Most of the other books I have looked at covered the Grand-mal Seizures.GREAT BOOK to help a young child understand in a simple way of what is happening to them.

Great book for kids dealing with seizures.
This book is very good to read to young children to explain epilepsy.It is put into simple terms and gives a good general explaination. The pictures are detailed, fun and colorful which will help engage the child's interest.This book is good for anyone who wants their child to learn that there should be no 'stigma' attatched to epilespy- it is a disease that can (in most cases) be helped with medicine. It would be excellent for a child recently diagnosed with seizues. It is good for a family which may have a child with epilepsy to help siblings understand what is happening.It is also a book which can be used in the classroom.It is brief yet it gets the message across.This book is part of a series of books about Special Needs and Deborah Moss (author)takes a very careful look at how a child might feel if he or she experienced seizures and that life continues and will be normal.It helps alleviate fears.It also works well because it portrays a rabbit instead of a child with seizures.I highly recommend it to everyone.I have not read the other books in the collection but I imagine they are just as good. ... Read more

Product Description
Stuart Ross McCallum shares a true account of his battle with epilepsy-beginning with the peculiar sensations he experienced as a teenager that led to his diagnosis and concluding with his eventual recovery from a temporal lobe lobectomy.McCallum vividly describes his twenty-year journey of living with epilepsy and how this unpredictable disease has not only impacted his life but the lives of everyone around him. For years he operated a business and managed his staff while battling an ever-increasing number of seizures. As his condition worsened and his postseizure responses became more intense, he was often prone to violent outbursts that threatened his safety as well as the safety of those in his inner circle. McCallum shares how the perception of the disease and the socially unacceptable behaviors that occurred as a result of his seizures eventually forced him to risk everything-he made the life-altering decision to undergo two brain operations that he hoped would provide freedom from a life of instability, danger, and stares from strangers.Beyond My Control provides an honest, emotional look into a highly complex and often misunderstood condition and how one man's perseverance helped him break through the darkness to find hope on the other side. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

A WARM, ENGAGING MEMOIR

After reading Stuart Ross McCallum's Beyond My Control, I felt like I had just finished having a warm, open conversation with a good friend. This very personable author does a wonderful job of taking the reader through his twenty-year struggle with epilepsy.

McCallum's first awareness of epilepsy began with peculiar auras that produced sensations unlike anything he'd ever known. As time went on, these auras became a warning that something much more serious was about to happen. McCallum then began to experience violent frightening episodes that not only threatened his well-being, but those around him. This was all the more terrifying as he could not remember the wild things he would do and say after the episodes had ended. They were, as the title of this memoir indicates, beyond his control.

After much suffering, McCallum is eventually presented with the opportunity to consider seizure surgery -- and to consider the pros and cons of living with the most important decision of his life.

What I most appreciated about this book was the author's deep love and gratitude toward his family and friends, especially his wife, Lisa. What I found extremely valuable in McCallum's story is that I learned much more about the full scope of epilepsy than I ever knew. This was truly a compelling, eye-opening story that was a true pleasure to read. It is an easy and engaging read by a true gentleman.

Insightful, Motivation and Life Changing!
Stuart Ross McCallum's memoir, Beyond My Control, leaves you with an amazing respect for this man, who endured a lifetime of epilepsy, resulting in symptoms, seizures, surgery's and depression. The detailed description of the auras and seizures really take you into the hell of this disease. If you think you know about epilepsy, you will find that you didn't know the half of it after reading this book. The scary details of the aftermath when a seizure ended and the deep dark hole that Stuart had to climb out of over and over again. I read this with my jaw ajar in disbelief that this man could accomplish all that he did while fighting this battle. By the time you get to the end of the book, the epilepsy takes a back seat to his strength and courage.

This is a must read for anyone who is battling with epilepsy OR NOT. Stuart Ross McCcallum's sheer determination will inspire you to be the very best you can be, in any situation. Brilliantly written!

A Universal Journey
As a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years and as a person with a debilitating illness myself, I felt compelled to share my thoughts about this compelling book with other potential readers. Yes, "Beyond My Control" delineates a man's courageous journey with epilepsy and a battle with an eating disorder, but.... it is so much more complex than that. It is a transformational journey that goes beyond these issues. Many of my clients/friends, and colleagues over the years, have struggled with illnesses,anxiety, fear, etc. This book is a universal story that all of us can be inspired by and is motivating for us all to continue to pursue our dreams no matter what our personal battles entail! I laughed and cried and experienced the gamut of human emotions while reading this book and it was very difficult to put it down until I was finished. AND even after reading it I am still haunted by the wonderful way this author expresses his personal thoughts and experiences, his wonderful sense of humor in the midst of very dark times and the testimony of his courage and that of his wife's. Through it all, this marvelous couple never waivered in their love for each other and for their children, in a way that is a testimony to the power of love to transform our daily lives. I wish I could give this book 10 stars, but I hope many more people will read this wonderful book.

Truly moving
Throughout this book, I myself was drawn to Stuart's remarkable bravery to continue the search for a new treatment. He endured so many struggles with seizures coupled with an uncertainty of occurrence and an embarrassment, only to gain the strength to overcome.

I commend him for rising above and sharing those difficult moments. I would recommend his book for people who have no hope when it comes to seeking medical advice. I would also recommend this as a required reading for Neurology Interns because it is the one on one example illustrating their field of medicine.

Thank you Stuart.

An Amazing Story about an Courageous Man
This autobiographical account of a man's battle with epilepsy is extremely inspiring and uplifting, and is also a captivating read. It is written in a compelling, personal voice that engages the reader from the outset. It is impossible not to have great admiration for this courageous man and to feel deep sympathy for the arduousness of his journey , and yet Stuart McCallum never lapses into mawkishness. His narrative is well-crafted, straightforward, poignant, and effective. I read the book in one setting, and when I had finished I felt like I had traveled a difficult road with a dear friend. I highly recommend this extraordinary story written by a remarkable man! ... Read more

Product Description
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH. Comprehensive reference on the surgical treatment of the epilepsies. Presents a global view of contemporary approaches to presurgical evaluation, surgical treatment, and postsurgical assessment. Details effective surgical techniques, data for outcomes, and strategies for preventing and managing complications. DNLM: Epilepsy--surgery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More for epileptologists than epilepsy neurosurgeons
Although I have found this book useful in terms of its general breadth, nonetheless, this is not a book which adequately covers the actual operative techniques applied in the various forms of epilepsy surgery. Thus, this book is more suited to the neurologist or neurology resident than their respective counterparts in neurosurgery. ... Read more

Product Description
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of patients worldwide and arises from the concurrent action of multiple pathophysiological processes. The power of mathematical analysis and computational modeling is increasingly utilized in basic and clinical epilepsy research to better understand the relative importance of the multi-faceted, seizure-related changes taking place in the brain during an epileptic seizure. This groundbreaking book is designed to synthesize the current ideas and future directions of the emerging discipline of computational epilepsy research. Chapters address relevant basic questions (e.g., neuronal gain control) as well as long-standing, critically important clinical challenges (e.g., seizure prediction). The book should be of high interest to a wide range of readers, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty working in the fields of basic or clinical neuroscience, epilepsy research, computational modeling and bioengineering.

* Covers a wide range of topics from molecular to seizure predictions and brain implants to control seizures
* Contributors are top experts at the forefront of computational epilepsy research
* Chapter contents are highly relevant to both basic and clinical epilepsy researchers ... Read more

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Coeliac disease may be manifested by gastrointestinal symptoms, or be silent, latent or 'potential'. It may also be present with dermatitis herpetiformis, dental enamel defects or neurological disorders - especially epilepsy. In the case of the latter symptoms these appear mostly in relation to occipital seizures, frequently intractable. This book examines these, and other neurological manifestations. This book brings together many of the results of the investigations and opinions of the world's leading researchers in the fields of neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, gastroenterology, immunology, genetics and imaging. ... Read more

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* Only text available on the problems encountered in managing epilepsy patients suffering from other medical conditions* Provides practical information on treatment options* Ideal for neurologists and other clinicians who treat epilepsy patients ... Read more

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This book brings together findings from research and clinical practice with a multi-disciplinary perspective regarding the important aspects of epilepsy in persons with intellectual disabilities. It is important for professionals involved in the care of persons with epilepsy and other intellectual disabilities to have a comprehensive understanding of the essential research and clinical issues. Academic books can often lose the personal approach, descending into lists of jargon, while clinical practitioner titles on the other hand may not always have the most up-to-date relevant knowledge to provide the appropriate care. This book is aimed to fill this gap with it’s strength of meshing the practical and clinical worlds, all written by a distinguished group of contributors.

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The extensively updated third edition of Pediatric Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Therapy continues to be the definitive volume on the diagnosis, treatment, classification, and management of the childhood epilepsies.

Written by nearly 100 international leaders in the field, this new edition progresses logically with major sections on the basic mechanisms of the disease, classification, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and age-related syndromes of epilepsy. The core of the new third edition is its completely updated section on antiepileptic drugs, including an in-depth discussion of dosage considerations, drug toxicity, teratogenicity, and drug interactions, with recommendations for optimal combinations when multiple drug therapy is required. ... Read more

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Hardbound. The objective of resective epilepsy surgery is the complete resection or complete disconnection of the epileptogenic zone, which is defined as the area of cortex indispensable for the generation of clinical seizures. Ideally this aim should be accomplished without damaging the "eloquent" cortex. The epileptogenic zone can currently not be measured directly.Therefore, a variety of diagnostic tools such as analysis of seizure semiology, neurophysiological techniques, functional testing as well as structural and functional neuroimaging are used to indirectly define the location and boundaries of the epileptogenic zone. These diagnostic methods define different cortical zones (symptomatogenic zone, irritative zone, ictal onset zone, stimulation induced seizure zone, functional deficit zone, and the epileptogenic lesion) which all are a more or less precise index of the location and extent of the epileptogenic zone.The ability to precisely defin ... Read more

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Perhaps the most important achievements in the field of epileptology in the past two decades have been in the neuroimaging and genetic breakthroughs as applied to patients with epilepsy. Indeed, neuroimaging has become a vital part in the study of epilepsy, affecting broad aspects of the disorder ranging from diagnosis and classification to treatment and prognosis. Neuroimaging in epilepsy encompasses many different approaches that have reached various levels of expertise across epilepsy centers worldwide.This book discusses every imaging modality used to gather information on epilepsy.Each technique is described by world experts and epilepsy centers worldwide. ... Read more

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Textbook of Epilepsy Surgery covers all of the latest advances in the surgical management of epilepsy, including new neuroimaging techniques; new surgical strategies; more aggressive surgical approaches in cases with catastrophic epilepsies; better understanding of epileptogenic mechanisms in etiologically different types of epilepsy; new surgical techniques and neuronavigation systems; and improved statistics of surgical outcome in different epilepsy types. This definitive textbook is an invaluable tool and reference source for Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Epilepsy Specialists and those interested in epilepsy and its surgical treatment.   ... Read more

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It is well known that the incidence of epilepsies is higher in this age period than in any other time in the life span. The frequent occurrence of seizures refractory to antiepileptic drug treatments is of great concern. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the group of benign epilepsy syndromes presented in this book is clearly more prevalent in childhood than the intractable epilepsies. Neurologists and paediatricians should be familiar with these conditions because accurate diagnosis, and its consequent good prognosis, may save much suffering to the family. Special emphasis, however, is given to the small proportion of children who, in spite of presenting a usually benign disease, show an atypical evolution which hampers their neuropsychological development. It is fundamental to be aware of the possible ill effects of some antiepileptic drugs in these cases. Finally, advancements in the recognition of new - and not so rare - epileptic syndromes are presented. All the subjects are supported by extensive experience of the authors based in large series of patients. ... Read more

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A collection of 68 personal accounts of seizure activity from people with epilepsy that illustrates the wide range of experiences associated with seizures and living with epilepsy. Many have had epilepsy for years, and their passages are heartfelt and realistic. An introductory section explains epilepsy and different seizure types from a medical perspective. An index helps readers focus on particular symptoms and other specific aspects of seizures, such as seizure warnings and triggers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Never have to feel alone
This is a great book that provides first hand insight to the experience of epilepsy. I found this book about 10 years ago when I was first diagnosed. I was scared, confused and was trying to process what was going on. This book helped me to understand that I wasn't alone.

This isn't a technical book or diagnostic tool. It just provides the experiences of people of all ages with a vast variety of seizures. I have been giving away copies of the book for years and I am glad it is back in print.
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A collection of personal stories from friends, family members, and co-workers of people with epilepsy in which they describe their observations and feelings about witnessing seizures and about the person with epilepsy. Epilepsy in Our View shed light on the social consequences of epilepsy while increasing understanding of what's happening when a person has a seizure. ... Read more

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Women with epilepsy face a number of problems unique to their gender. Dr Liporace addresses these special concerns, which relate to menses, birth control, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, child care, and menopause.

The care of women with epilepsy entails some special considerations. Seizures are often linked to menarche, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Sexual function and reproductive health are affected by seizures and antiepileptic drugs. Some of these drugs are associated with an increased failure rate of hormonal contraceptives, and effective family planning requires knowledge of this interaction. Pregnancy in a woman with epilepsy carries an increased risk to both mother and child.

This article reviews these unique concerns and outlines clinical measures to improve seizure control, maintain sexual and reproductive health, and reduce the risk to both mother and child during pregnancy. ... Read more

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This collection of frank, first-person narratives by people with epilepsy from 21 countries offers unique perspectives on the personal and social aspects of seizure disorders. Reflecting a diverse array of cultures, the narratives reveal many common concerns and show the distinct ways that people around the world affected by epilepsy react to the diagnosis and cope with their families, friends, and communities. The book includes chapters on the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy and a physician's firsthand experience in East Africa. ... Read more