In this update of the 1996 edition, an epilepsy specialist answers questions
about the causes, diagnosis, and treatments, and how to live and work with this
brain disorder. Includes an epilepsy history timeline,
patient health record form, resources, and a glossary. Annotation ©2003
Book News, Inc.,
Reviewer: Ender A Akan, B.S., M.D. (
Description: This book outlines for patients and caregivers, in a
step-by-step manner, what to expect with epilepsy and carefully answers many
often-asked questions. It is a worthwhile publication for neurologists to use
in daily clinical practice.
Purpose: The purpose is to teach patients about epilepsy and to help
them better understand their physicians in order to ask better questions. The
book is designed to help patients afflicted with epilepsy to better manage
their disease. These worthwhile objectives are clearly met in the book.
Audience: The book is written for patients ,
but it is also a good resource for medical students and especially residents in
neurology who are learning to treat patients with epilepsy either in the
hospital or in their clinics. The author is a credible authority.
Features: The book analyzes various issues related to a diagnosis of
epilepsy. It starts with a clinical description of the disease and its various
forms. The book continues to explain medication choices, side-effects, and the
importance of proper drug monitoring. What I like in particular is how the book addresses issues such as work and driving,
often very important to the patient and among the most asked questions. The
book also provides descriptions of imaging modalities and answers questions
about drug trial participation. The book succeeds as a clear, well-organized
discussion of epilepsy for patients that does not
condescend. Appendix A is particularly useful in helping patients organize
their disease process with history and a diary to better provide information to
their physicians. Appendix B is also useful as it cuts through the confusion of
the many medications now on the market and includes both generic and name-brand
designations.
Assessment: This is a very useful book that succeeds because of its
writing style and its user-friendly organization.