Table of Contents ; About the AAN's NeurologyNow Book Series ; Preface ; I. Introduction [engagement and introduction of cases/patients who will appear throughout the book] ; II. What is epilepsy? ; a. General introduction and definitions ; b. Seizure types ; c. Epilepsy classification ; III. How and why do seizures occur? ; IV. Who develops epilepsy? ; V. Establishing the diagnosis of epilepsy ; a. A visit with the neurologist ; i. A first seizure ; ii. An established diagnosis ; b. Testing ; i. EEG ; ii. Brain imaging ; iii. Specialized testing ; VI. Treatment of epilepsy ; a. Non-pharmacologic approaches and first aid ; b. Antiepileptic Medications ; i. Choice of medication ; ii. Adverse effects ; c. Epilepsy surgery ; d. Medical devices to treat epilepsy ; e. Complementary and alternative medicine ; f. Treatment in special populations ; i. Adolescents ; ii. Women ; iii. Older adults ; VII. Living with and Managing Epilepsy ; a. Navigating the day-to-day [driving, work, legal issues, relationships] ; b. Related brain conditions: cognitive problems, mood, anxiety, and more ; c. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) ; d. Making your clinic visit successful ; VIII. The future of epilepsy care ; Glossary ; Resources/Appendices/ Index

"As an epilepsy specialist, this book impressed; as a patient, it will impress greatly. It is accessible yet comprehensive. Practitioners and persons with epilepsy will appreciate having a book that explains, in more detail than a typical office visit, so much about epilepsy- from the basic physiology, syndromes, diagnosis, treatment and life management. Treatment decisions and options deserve, and get, several chapters: treatment is complicated, ranging from diets, to medication, to surgical interventions; all have quality of life as the desired outcome. Patients and loved ones will appreciate the tips on what may be in store at various stages, including information about first aid and preparing for clinic visits. Readable, informative, from an acknowledged expert: a winning combination and an easy recommendation." --Robert A. Gross MD, PhD, FANA, FAAN, Professor of Neurology and of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Editor-in-Chief, Neurology Journals "The book Navigating Life with Epilepsy by Dr. David Spencer is a practical advisor for people to epilepsy. In clear, non-medical language it explains basic medical facts about seizures, tests and treatments available. It explains that treatment is always a team approach and also includes controversies. With the help of patient stories medical facts are nicely illustrated. It informs about women's issues, memory problems with epilepsy, alternative treatment methods and much more. It is helpful for the day-to-day life with epilepsy and discusses stigma that people with epilepsy unfortunately still face. Books like this help to address the still lingering stigma, for which it is our society's responsibility to erase." --Barbara C. Jobst, MD, Dr. med, FAAN; Professor of Neurology; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Director Dartmouth-Hitchcock Epilepsy Center; Section Chief, Department of Neurology; Hanover, NH

Selling point: Cohesive, single author text Selling point: Comprehensive guide for adult and adolescent patients, as well as their family members Selling point: Real-life patient stories: "You're not Alone" Selling point: Published in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology

DAVID C. SPENCER, MD, FAAN is professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. He is director of the OHSU Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and director of the OHSU Epilepsy Fellowship Program. He has been involved in many areas of neurology and epilepsy education, including serving as an editor for the Neurology Patient Pages and on the editorial advisory board of Neurology Now, the American Academy of Neurology's magazine for anyone interested in brain health. He has served on education committees for the American Epilepsy Society and is a member of the American Epilepsy Society and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Selling point: Cohesive, single author text Selling point: Comprehensive guide for adult and adolescent patients, as well as their family members Selling point: Real-life patient stories: "You're not Alone" Selling point: Published in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology