Epilepsy - Understanding and Managing the Condition Across the Lifespan

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

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