Navigating Life with Epilepsy

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.

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
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