Managing Epilepsy: A Clinical Handbook

This book first sets the scene with chapters on the history of epilepsy, its epidemiology and aetiology. The main body of the text then provides an on-the-spot reference to practical management. The subjects covered include: diagnosis- how to recognise underlying causes, different seizure types and syndromes; treatment - what options are available, and how to choose the right anti-epileptic drug; and epilepsy and the individual factors affecting the young, the elderly and female patients, and those with epilepsy as well as a learning disability. The final section encourages the reader to take a look at the needs of people with epilepsy and asks the question, how can we improve services in the light of this knowledge?' The provision of information on epilepsy to patients and their families is often inadequate and this can cause much distress and misunderstanding. There is a chapter giving advice on the information, support and counselling that should be available and a section containing answers to the 100 most commonly asked questions. The book ends with a proposed structure for epilepsy services.

Table of Contents:
Preface vii Acknowledgements, ix 1 Epilepsy, Past and Present, 1 2 The nature of Epilepsy: Aetiology and Epidemiology,12 3 The basis for diagnosis: Recognizing causes, seizures and syndromes, 19 4 Making the diagnosis: Is it epilepsy, 33 5 Treatment: General Principles, Anti-Epileptic Drug Therapy, Surgery and other treatment, 44 6 Treatment: Individual Anti-Epileptic Drug Profiles, 68 7 Epilepsy and the Individual: Epilepsy in Children and Adolescents, in women, in learning disability and in the elderly, 84 8 Living with Epilepsy: Information, Support and Counselling, 108 9 Living with Epilepsy: 100 common Questions and Answers , 123 10 Improving Services: a structure for care, 147 11 The Role of the nurse in Epilepsy, 159 Appendix 1:Sources of Help and Advice, 167 Appendix 2: Managing Epilepsy in General Practice: Audit, 172 Appendix 3: Purchasing and Providing Epilepsy Outpatient Services: A Guide to Good Practice, 177 Appendix 4: Community Nurse Learning Disability Assessment of Epilepsy, 186 References and Recommended Further Reading, 193 Index, 199