Epilepsy For Dummies

A conversational guide to understanding and living with epilepsy Millions of people around the world have epilepsy, but the condition is widely misunderstood. Epilepsy For Dummies breaks through outdated stigmas surrounding this complex neurological disease. The book offers a 360-degree view by incorporating medical, social, and other perspectives to help you cope with epilepsy or support someone who has been diagnosed. You'll learn about triggers and risk factors, different types of seizures, and getting a diagnosis. You'll also explore various treatment options, including medications, surgery, therapy, and neuromodulation. Beyond the basics, this guide addresses staying safe and managing associated conditions, empowering you to live well. Get up-to-date facts about epilepsy, written in terms anyone can understand Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for different seizure types Discover how family and friends can support their loved ones with epilepsy Find advice for feeling in control and living a fulfilling life Epilepsy For Dummies is invaluable for anyone with epilepsy, as well as their caretakers, family, and friends. It's also a great resource for educators and medical professionals.

Introduction 1 Part 1: Seeing the Big Picture of Epilepsy 5 Chapter 1: Making Sense of Epilepsy 7 Chapter 2: Seeing the What and Who 17 Chapter 3: Considering Causes and Risk Factors 25 Chapter 4: Society and Epilepsy 43 Part 2: Diagnosing Epilepsy 53 Chapter 5: Taking a Look at the Brain 55 Chapter 6: Following the Path to Diagnosis 69 Chapter 7: Sizing Up Seizure Types and Syndromes 85 Chapter 8: Confirming a Diagnosis with Follow-Up Tests 105 Chapter 9: Coming to Grips with the Diagnosis 119 Part 3: Treating Epilepsy 129 Chapter 10: Controlling Seizures by Using Medication 131 Chapter 11: Exploring Surgical Treatments and Neuromodulation 147 Chapter 12: Treating with Dietary Therapy 169 Chapter 13: Examining New Treatments on the Horizon 179 Part 4: Learning Well with Epilepsy 191 Chapter 14: Seeing How Epilepsy Affects Learning 193 Chapter 15: Executive Function and Resiliency 205 Chapter 16: Optimizing Learning 217 Part 5: Living Well with Epilepsy 237 Chapter 17: Learning Seizure First Aid and Developing Rescue Plans 239 Chapter 18: Living Safe and Healthy at Every Age 249 Chapter 19: Managing Associated Conditions 271 Chapter 20: Finding Community and Support 285 Part 6: The Part of Tens 305 Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Help the Epilepsy Community 307 Chapter 22: Ten People Who Made a Difference 313 Glossary 321 Appendix 331 Index 339