Epilepsy Books

I found out about this book the summer of 2002 from the Epilepsy Foundation of America. It could so easily be my story and very nearly is.... Patient rights need to be protected but so often they are ignored. I was committed after refusing a feeding tube, but then denied medical care for my status episodes of seizures and migraines while in the Psych Ward. Nobody can ever explain what it is like to happen to you, but Carol Gino comes close. Everyone needs to read this story and then go to your lawyer and get a medical power of attorney assigned to someone you trust. Protect yourself anyway you can. This story may scare you, but in the long run you need to protect yourself. Know that you have rights. Also, know that there is always someone worse off than you, and that you must always have hope. I did, and I survived...

The patient asks. "How will I know if I'm crazy." And the doctor answers, "If you can ask that question you are probably OK." But what if you ask and there is no one listening? Or what if your body is doing things that scare people and you have no control over it? That is exactly what happens in this true story, "Rusty's Story". There isn't any fairy tale ending. This is real life. All there is is hope. I like that.

Rusty has epilepsy, but neither her family nor her caretakers are willing to accept this diagnosis. This book chronicles the life of a young woman who was denied the chance to live normally even though her condition is easily treatable. Even Rusty herself had misconceptions about epilepsy and what could be done for her condition. A must read for patient advocates, medical ethicists, and people who want to know more about the history of epilepsy treatment. Reading level: College/Adult. Warnings: small amount of violence. Reader considers this book very *emotionally provoking*. Reader also considers this one of her favorite books.

All Rusty wanted to be was a normal teenage girl, but a epilepsy and that wrong diagnosis locked her up in a mental institute with real crazy people. This is a story that unlocks you inner most fears of a life lived in constant terror. The unforgettable true story of friendship and triumph over the greatest of odds.

As the world continues to march to information on the Internet, the issue of accessibility for Web sites has continued to grow in importance. Especially as glitz and flashy programming grow ever more popular in Web design, the chance of leaving those with special needs behind increases. What accessibility means also can be a murky area, though as lawsuits against Target and other stores over Web accessibility shows, this is still important. Sydik helps cut through the often vague standards to show the reader step-by-step things that are important for accessibility, but often are not major changes. He explains what accessibility entails, and looks at different solutions, and the pitfalls that some can produce making things worse for accessibility when it is trying to improve it. His chapters are grouped into thematic sections, but each chapter focuses on one item, keeping the information short and relevant to the topic. At the conclusion he walks through the current and proposed accessibility standards and gives practical advice and translation of what the sections mean, and what you can do about it (citing chapters that addressed the topic). This book is very readable, practical and sits on my desk for quick reference and advice. It is an excellent starting point for acquainting yourself with the issue of accessibility for Web sites and what you can do to help design them properly.

Jeremy's Design Accessible Web Sites provides practical advice alongside with the theoretical underpinnigs in upbeat style. This books covers actionable steps to take in fixing many common accessibility problems but it also does something more important. It gives the reader a theoretical framework for considering and solving accessibility issues for tricky scenarios.

Some other books are better on regulatory issues and others on multimedia items like Flash since the focus here is web site design. That said, it's a great read for web site design and web standards work. For that it's first rate, with modern techniques and consideration of the future of accessibility issues (AJAX, WCAG 2), and with a breadth and richness of subject matter.

DESIGN ACCESSIBLE WEB SITES is an excellent guide to making your web site(s) usable by anyone, regardless of their access needs. It is also not the dry and unfriendly tome that others have put out in regards to this subject...that is to say, it is very readable, even fun in some places! There are plenty of code examples as well as lists of specific tools and references that can be used to make your site accessible to everyone.
It concentrates mainly on the U.S. accessibility requirements, but it also covers what you need around the world.
Most importantly, Jeremy stresses that making your web sites accessible makes them easier for EVERYONE to navigate, not just those individuals with special access needs, and that is a bonus for everyone!

I am really enjoyed with this DVD. It is useful for electrodiagnostic technologist and who is going to appear for board exam. This DVD has given visual information as well as audio question and answer for abnormal,normal and normal variants pattern. I strongly recommend for any one who is interested in this field.

R.venkatesan
Electrodiagnostic technologist

This DVD is excellent. It is very easy to use, and has top quality tracings. The format is that the user is presented with an EEG, then on a separate screen an explanation of the pertinent findings is given. I would strongly recommend this for neurophysiology or epilepsy fellow, or neurology resident with an interest in these subspecialties.

I have used the eeg primer,Hopkins atlas and this book ;and by far,this is the better of the 3.The CD was an excellent source to learn.what makes it so flexible is the various formats u can use:either indices,or case wise.plus its interactive too.highly recommend this one for starters like me.

The Power of the Rose, the sequel to The Haunting of Hawthorne, is a very good book about a girl named Valerie. Valerie likes this really cute "jock" at shcool, but she had a first love, Basil Haris. This boy gave Valerie a flower and the next day he was gone. The flower started to fall apart, but Valerie kept one of the pedals from the flower. Every night she stared at it and got a warm felling inside that Basil would be coming back someday. To find out if Basil comes back you'll have to read the book.

I think this book is great.I'm in 7th grade and this book is great for all ages.It is about a girl named Valerie. Who falls in love with this guy named Basil who is actually the ghost of Hawthorne and comes back becauses his school is being distoryed and he does not want that to happen.so I think anybody will love this book.

I thought this book is pretty good except for the kissing. The person telling the story is Valerie Moran. The other characters are Basil Harris (who is a newcomer). Bob Short who is only in the book for a short time. A music teacher by the name of Mrs. Gottsman. A history teacher, his name is Mr. Kramer. A subsitute named Ms. Walters. Troublemakers Jim Argus and Dennie Plover. And one more character Jan Draper.

Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing.
By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
(...)

I found this book a very easy read, which is important in trying to explain epilepsy to children. To educate children of the disorder is something that might seem like an difficult task, something thats pushed off to the side for a later date. However, with this book, its a task that doesn't look so daunting. You can explain epilepsy to your children in language that they understand.

DO YOU OR A LOVE ONE HAVE EPILEPSY? DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENTCHILDREN'S BOOK TO TEACH WHAT EPILEPSY IS TO YOUR CHILD?


Millions of people have epilepsy or experience Seizures. Are you one of them? Are you trying to figure out how to explain to your child or a child in your family about your disorder, so they will understand what epilepsy is and what they can do to help you when you are experiencing a seizure?

Many parents read this book to their children. I received a lot of positive feedback. This book teaches young children about epilepsy. It helps children understand what a seizure is and not to get scared if they see someone having a seizure.

It helps educate children and help them understand what they can do if a friend or love one is having a seizure. There are so many myths that still roam through our society about epilepsy. "My Mommy Has Epilepsy" gives children and their family truth; medical facts explained in simplistic terminology so there is a clear understanding about epilepsy.

I am a writer and I have published a book called "Epilepsy You're Not Alone." Epilepsy You're Not Alone is an inspirational self- help book that teaches people with epilepsy how to live a healthy and productive life. The book shares encouraging stories and gives readers a workable program for coping with their disorder enabling readers to overcome their disorder and get on with their lives.

I have a third book coming out this fall called "Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Women Should Know", Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques. Through my efforts, I have been able to show other women that it is not impossible to become a mother. I have given women and couples hope and a new look on life. Epilepsy is just a disorder. Your life does not end because you have epilepsy.

I have a forth book coming out in the fall of 2005, called "Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry That Comes Straight from the Heart". I have a fifth book coming out called, "Faith, Courage, Wisdom Strength and Hope: Inspirational Poetry that comes from the Heart".



Accomplishments: I am an H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation. I speak at different events for schools, organizations, political events and anywhere my help is needed to educate people about epilepsy. I have recently been on four talk shows. The interviews focused on the importance of understanding what epilepsy is, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.

I have been on radio stations discussing epilepsy and I have recently appeared in many newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger. On June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award and I spoke in Washington in front of congress.

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I am the illustrator of Becky the Brave! I learned so much about epilepsy while working on this project. The illustrations are done in pastel on colored pastel paper. I used two sisters from my church as models for Becky and her sister. Look for a special copies for sale in the collectible (used and new) section, that include a personalized note from me explaining how I illustrated Becky the Brave!!

I used this book as a basis for a lesson plan introducing Epilepsy to lower grades. The story not only shares some basic information about Epilepsy, but does a great job of getting children to think about what it might feel like to have it and how nervous and afraid a child may be to come to school. A great way to teach compassion to all children. Well written and great illustrations.

As a woman with Epilepsy, I found this book to be easy to read and understand. Personal accounts help give the reader a view on the effects of epilepsy in the patient's daily life. Dr. Schachter makes the terminology of epilepsy understandable. This is a book I would recommend.

In this book one will see throught the eye of many . You will be able to understand the experence of the person. It is writen in a first person fashion that shows what other books have failed to do. This is the voice of 30 years of firsthand experence. Read this for the person you are thinking of. It will help everyone see what is so hard to grasp. Enjoy, Forrest Herreid

I am a physician with a personal interest in epilepsy. To read about complementary and alternative therapies for epilepsy in a medical text that is edited by recognized experts has been a real joy. They have done us all a great service by presenting the information in a respectful but scientifically critical manner.
This book should be on every neurologist's shelf. It should also be on the shelf of all other physician practitioners that treat epilepsy. Drs. Devinsky, Schachter and Pacia have produced a work that is long overdue.
Treating epilepsy can be frustrating since traditional medicine is not always successful in delivering the ideal result (no seizures and no side effects). Patients in desperation are looking for something that will work. Some patients may just want another option because of any one of a number of reasons including fear of potential long-term side effects of medications, or because they harbor a general mistrust of modern medicine for example.
With the advent of the Internet, patients and their families are discovering that there are options available which their physicians have not told them about. Some of the options may have merit and some may not. Most patients do not have the medical sophistication to tell the difference. Many doctors do not have the time or the interest to find out. The problem is that when patients go to their physicians with their new-found knowledge, and they are met with total ignorance, indifference or worse yet, arrogance, the physicians immediately lose credibility with their patients.
By reading and understanding this book that covers a broad range of "alternative and complementary therapies for epilepsy," physicians will be able to better understand what their patients are talking about and will be able to speak with knowledge and credibility when these ideas are brought up by patients. Having this knowledge will also prompt physicians during the intake interviews to ask if any of these alternative approaches are being used. That information may help with drug dosages (some herbs or supplements can affect enzyme induction) and help to explain treatment failure.
Medical practices that serve many well informed patients may see increasing numbers of people asking about these things. That type of patient is expecting more than just a prescription refill and a follow-up in 3-6 months. It could be that some physicians will suggest some of these ideas on their own if they seem right for a particular patient. Spending the extra time and effort may be hard to do because physicians are pushed harder and harder to do more and more in less time, and most practices don't have time during a visit to do more than just the basics. Just the same some people are expecting more.
The chapters are generally concise and mostly well referenced and are organized in a very interesting fashion; an expert that champions a particular form of alternative or complementary therapy writes the chapter, and the editors in a very respectful fashion make comments on the ideas presented. They often point out how well the available scientific evidence may or may not support the assertions of the chapter authors. The editors' comments range from very encouraging to highly doubtful, especially when judged by the standard of the double-blind study.
Chapter contents include: 1) Relation of Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy to Western Medicine, 2) The standards for clinical trials to prove effectiveness of a therapy (the Double Blind trial), 3 Treating epilepsy with stress reduction, 4) The neurobehavioral approach, 5) Self control, eliminating triggers etc., 6) Neurofeedback, 7) Autogenic training, 8) Massage, 9) Aromatherapy and Hypnosis, 10) Meditation, 11) Exercise and Yoga, 12) Ayurveda, 13) Herbal therapy, 14) Phytotherapy (more herbal therapy), 15) Homeopathy, 16) Naturopathic Medicine, 17) Traditional Chinese Medicine, 18) Acupuncture, 19) Nutrition, 20) Fatty acids in the diet, 21) The Ketogenic diet, 22) Hormonal therapy, 23) Trancranial magnetic stimulation, 24) Hyperbaric oxygen, 25) Rebreathing to use CO2 to dilate cerebral vessels to increase cerebral oxygen delivery, 26) Chiropractic, 27) Osteopathic Approach, 28) Craniosacral Therapy, 29) Music Therapy, 30) Art Therapy, 31) Pet Therapy
Particularly enlightening chapters are numbers12-22, where herbs, vitamins, food supplements and other nutritional approaches are described rather nicely. Two somewhat disturbing chapters for me are the ones on Naturopathic Medicine (16), and the Osteopathic approach in children (27). The part of the naturopathic medicine chapter that disturbs me the most is the philosophy that epilepsy is possibly a result of lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual and can be cured if the practitioner can find the correct cause and effect a change. Fully subscribing to such an approach could lead to spending big bucks on food supplements and other things that have no proven value or could actually complicate standard medical treatment. In spite of that problem, naturopaths have many fascinating ideas that are worthy of further investigation. The Osteopathic chapter is largely anecdotal. The references are quite dated as well. From modalities that purport to be scientifically oriented I expected better.
The greatest value of the book for me is, understanding how others besides those in mainstream medicine think about epilepsy. I highly recommend this book.

If you are diagnosed with Epilepsy, this IS the book to read, especially if you do not want to be on medication the rest of your life or if you do not want seizures (and who does?). There is a wealth of information in this book that has not been published before. Especially the work of Donna J. Andrews is worth considering, since she has a 80% successrate with lowering the amount of seizures in her patients. But there are others. Biofeedback is a great tool as well for some. A friend of mine got her seizures way down with this method. She had many a day, now she has none. I am so proud of her because she refused to be on meds from day one. It is invaluable to know you can do something about epilepsy by understanding and working with your triggers. There is a lesson here to be understood. You can improve the quality of your life. And there are many options. Read this book and find out. This book is worth every penny!

I am a physician with a personal interest in epilepsy. (I am neither a primary care provider nor a neurologist)

There is much new thinking about epilepsy and many new treatment options available. This book nicely lays out much of that material. Neurologists as well as primary care providers will find this book useful. For primary care providers that treat epilepsy, it will be useful to be aware of the latest thinking. This will benefit their patients in getting them to the best treatment options sooner. For neurologists that read this book, they will come away with a more systematic way of thinking about the scientific basis of epilepsy. Most of the material is likely too specialized for the lay public to get much out of it but there may be exceptions. Those with some technical or health care background and education and a strong personal interest may find some chapters intriguing.

I found the following chapters to be particularly useful and helpful for me:
1) Chapter 2 (receptors and pathophysiology)
2) Chapter 4 (genetics of epilepsy, mutations in ion (sodium, etc) channel components)
3) Chapter 5 "Targets of Antiepileptic Drugs" is particularly brilliant in its explication of how understanding drug mechanism of action at specific targets can help a physician to make an educated choice regarding the potentially best anticonvulsant for a particular patient
4) Chapters 8 and 9 contain a marvelous explanation of interactions of various anticonvulsants and theoretical approaches to minimizing toxicity and idiosyncratic reactions. These may be the most useful chapters in the entire book.
5) Chapter 14 gives a lucid description of the Ketogenic Diet and some of the effects of diet in general on epilepsy
6) Chapters 17 and 18 deal with neurosteroids and neuroendocrine issues including catemenial epilepsy and the effects of stress on seizures
7) Chapter 19 on "sleep and epilepsy" is interesting
8) Chapter 20 on psychopathology in epilepsy I also found fascinating
9) The final chapter on "Arresting Epileptogenesis" was a nice way to point the reader's attention to possible future therapy modalities

I intend to read all of the above mentioned chapters at least a second time.

The other chapters which I have not specifically mentioned above are also very good, including outstanding descriptions of various imaging and diagnostic procedures, surgical options, special treatments, vagal nerve stimulators, and even experimental modes that are not yet ready for clinical application.

For the money, this book is an outstanding bargain. In fact I bought a second copy and donated it to my institution's medical library. Few medical texts are worth reading cover to cover. This book is truly an exception. Most of the chapters held my interest to the last word. In fact, I was "snarfing" up the information just like a hungry puppy dog eats its food.

I highly recommend it for any physician who wants to understand current thinking regarding scientific theory underlying the modern treatment of epilepsy. It increased my level of understanding by at least an order of magnitude.

The co-editors of this medical textbook, Drs. Rho (UC-Irvine), Sankar (UCLA) and myself (UTHSCSA) are among the few clinician-scientists in the field of epilepsy. The textbook aims to bridge the gap between scientific developments in research laboratory (bench) with the insights obtained at the bedside caring for thousands of patients with epilepsy. The textbook is unique in many aspects, including: 1) the selection of contributing authors, who are young investigators or at mid-career, and 2) the provocative nature of their discussion. Authors were asked to describe the scientific foundation of their area of expertise, but also to provide educated insights about potential future developments. The book is divided in six sections: I) Scientific Foundations (3 chapters), II)Antiepileptic Drugs (5 chapters), III) Epilepsy Surgery (3 chapters), IV) Alternative Therapies (5 chapters), V) Other Modulators of the Epileptic State (3 chapters), and VI) The Future of Epilepsy Therapy (5 chapters). Advances in epilepsy have come from many fields in anatomy, biophysics, genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, etc. We are hoping that this book will educate physicians, health care providers, and investigators increasing their Scientific Foundations to improve Clinical Practice in Epilepsy.

Jose E. Cavazos, MD PhD

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.

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.