Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy


Book Description

Epilepsy is a difficult illness to control; up to 35% of patients do not respond fully to traditional medical treatments. For this reason, many sufferers choose to rely on or incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their treatment regimens. Written for physicians, knowledgeable laypersons, and other professionals, Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy bridges the worlds of traditional medicine and CAM to foster a broader perspective of healthcare for patients. The book respects cultural differences that may incorporate alternative medicine into a medical management program, and encourages patients to safely continue receiving necessary medical treatments. Wherever possible, scientific evidence supports the choice of treatment modalities, as well as the effectiveness of a combined traditional and CAM approach. Readers will find incisive discussions in sections on: Learning to Reduce Seizures Asian, Herbal and Homeopathic Therapies Nutritional Therapies Alternative Medical Therapies Oxygen Therapies Manipulation and Osteopathic Therapies Music, Art, and Pet Therapies From stress and epilepsy, to acupuncture, massage, craniosacral therapies, homeopathy, ketogenic diets, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and more, the book is all-inclusive and enlightening. Additional commentary by the editors provides a critical vantage point from which to interpret the data and viewpoints of the contributors, all experts in the therapies presented. This balanced, scientific approach will appeal to even those most skeptical of alternative therapies, making the book essential for every professional who seeks to provide the broadest range of effective patient care.




A Guide to Evidence-based Integrative and Complementary Medicine


Book Description

A Concise Guide to Integrative and Complementary Medicine for Health Practitioners is a comprehensive textbook on the non-pharmacological treatments for common medical practice problems, with the support of current scientific evidence. Non-pharmacological approaches include advice for lifestyle and behavioural factors, mind-body medicine, stress management, dietary changes, exercise and sleep advice, nutritional and herbal medicine, acupuncture, complementary medicines and the role of sunshine that may impact on the treatment of the disease(s). Only proven therapies from current research are i




Alternative Therapies For Epilepsy


Book Description

"Written by three distinguished epileptologists with a long-standing interest in alternative therapies, this book provides an evidence-based consideration of the use of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies in epilepsy care. Organized by problem, the authors review alternative approaches to epilepsy- related conditions to help physicians, healthcare professionals, CAM providers, and patients understand the options and safely integrate treatments that work into their regimens. The book begins with an overview of the therapies themselves, including herbal remedies, nutrition, alternative pharmacological therapies, physical treatments, and neurobehavioral approaches, and also discusses medication-related considerations and caveats. The next group of chapters covers CAM and preventive approaches to mitigating the effects of epilepsy and epilepsy therapies, such as drug toxicity and side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), seizures, enhancing cognitive function, issues for women (pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause), and managing anxiety and depression. The final part of the book focuses on quality of life and lifestyle modifications to reduce seizure risk, including techniques for stress reduction, sleep disturbances and aids to normalize, alcohol and recreational drugs, and environmental factors. Features of Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy Include: Evidence-based review of CAM therapies for epilepsy Problem-oriented, practical approach to integrating alternative treatments into traditional regimens for healthcare providers Written by distinguished epileptologists with broad clinical experience Addresses all aspects of health for persons with epilepsy (not just seizures) and offers practical suggestions for improving patient care and patient health "




The Treatment of Epilepsy


Book Description

A practical reference to the medical and surgicaltreatment of epilepsy The third edition of The Treatment of Epilepsy has beenthoroughly updated. It is a reference work, but has a strongpractical bias, and is designed to assist neurologists,neurosurgeons and other clinicians at all levels who are involvedin the treatment of patients with epilepsy. It is a definitivesource of clinical information to guide clinical practice andrational therapy. Written and edited by leading experts, many actively involvedwith the International League Against Epilepsy, this newedition: covers the recent advances in the principles and approaches toepilepsy therapy, the introduction of new drugs and the developmentof new surgical techniques contains 26 completely new chapters and 61 newcontributors includes pharmacological properties and prescribing informationfor all drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy features the important contribution of a new editor JeromeEngel Jr, Professor of Neurology at the University of CaliforniaSchool of Medicine in Los Angeles.




Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy


Book Description

The clinical management of patients with epilepsy and the associated medical literature are rapidly evolving. Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy differs from other epilepsy textbooks by focusing specifically on topics where the available evidence is sufficiently well developed to be synthesized into straightforward summaries of proven therapies. When evidence is missing or there is doubt, controversy or ambiguity, the distinguished authors offer treatment recommendations based on practice guidelines or consensus statements that span the gaps in evidence while pointing to those areas where further research is needed. The initial chapters cover critically important aspects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgical treatment such as when to start and stop AEDs, how to monitor their effectiveness, special considerations in women who become pregnant, and when to consider surgery to alleviate seizures. The following chapters cover the therapy of seizures when they develop after traumatic brain injury or stroke, and the treatment of concomitant depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy. The final chapters discuss emerging topics in epilepsy: the treatment of the postictal state, technologies to predict and detect seizures, strategies for closing the treatment gap and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. The contributors are renowned experts in their fields who successfully and succinctly present state-of-the-art reviews based on the medical evidence designed to help the clinician be as best informed as possible in the care of patients with epilepsy.




Epilepsy Case Studies


Book Description

This book presents a case based approach to epilepsy management in both diagnostic challenges and treatment of complex cases. Cases reflect “real life” patient scenarios that practitioners encounter with up-to-date terminology and treatment approaches. With 51 chapters, the book presents 51 unique, nuanced cases. Beginning with an initial presentation of a case history, the book opens with a basis for drawing in multiple aspects in the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Each chapter is organized into a clinical history, physical examination results, and ancillary testing to concentrate on differential diagnosis and focus on a definitive procedural approach to the final diagnosis. Subsequent information about the condition expands on the knowledge of the clinical features to a solution of common patient clinical scenarios as it affects people with epilepsy. A comprehensive successor edition, Epilepsy Case Studies is an invaluable resource to clinicians ranging from those looking for a quick review of a topic present in the table of contents, to those crossing disciplines into medical areas where seizures are a symptom of disordered or dysfunctional brain.




The Epilepsy Book: A Companion for Patients


Book Description

This book presents scientific evidence about epilepsy along with straightforward guidance and recommendations. Responses to frequently asked questions and clarification of uncertainties are provided to empower patients to optimize their medical, psychological and social care. This book helps mediate between patients and health care professionals and can assist both sides to understand the condition of epilepsy at all levels. The information provided in the book empowers patients to share decision making with their carers and clinicians and enables them to make informed decisions, by taking into account the best scientific evidence, as well as the patients’ values and preferences. The Epilepsy Book: A Companion for Patients is ideal for patients with epilepsy and their carers, and will also be of interest to health care professionals, medical students and teachers. Thalia Valeta’s approach to epilepsy facilitates deeper understanding of the unmet needs and expectations of patients.




Epilepsy and the Interictal State


Book Description

Epilepsy care traditionally focuses on seizures, yet for most epilepsy sufferers, other interictal factors such as mood, cognitive abilities, and treatment adverse effects most influence how they feel and function day to day. Epilepsy and the Interictal State is a practical and comprehensive text that covers quality of life issues, cognition and therapy, adverse effects of epilepsy treatments, mood state and psychiatric co-morbidity and general health aspects of epilepsy. Each chapter employs a standard structure providing background, epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and further practical advice. From an international team of expert editors and contributors, Epilepsy and the Interictal State is a valuable resource for specialist epileptologists and neurologists, as well as for neurosurgeons, neurology nurses, psychiatrists, family physicians and general practitioners.




Atlas of Epilepsies


Book Description

Atlas of Epilepsies is a landmark, all-encompassing, illustrated reference work and hands-on guide to the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy in all its forms and across all age groups. The premier text in the field with over one thousand images, the Atlas’s highly illustrative approach tackles the difficult subject of epileptic seizures and epileptic syndromes, accompanied by sequential photographs of each management step. Intraoperative photographs are accompanied by detailed figure legends describing nuances, subtleties, and the thought processes involved in each step, providing a fuller understanding of each procedure. The Atlas draws on the expertise of over 300 internationally-renowned experts, and is liberally interspersed with clinical insights and personal vignettes that offer helpful tips, technical advice and critical knowledge to the clinician and scholar. The thorough and complete table of contents includes dedicated sections or chapters on important topics such as neonatal and pediatric seizures; imitators of epilepsy; EEG and neuroimaging; psychiatric and quality of life aspects of epilepsy; and a complete guide to treatment options including current and up-to-date chapters on pharmaceuticals, surgical procedures, and additional and alternative treatments. No other publication addresses epilepsies as thoroughly and completely as the Atlas of Epilepsies. Exhaustive and illustrative, convenient and current, this reference is sure to be the premier text on epilepsy for many years to come.




Navigating Life with Epilepsy


Book Description

Roughly 3 million people in the United States have already been diagnosed with epilepsy and another 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Worldwide, approximately 1 percent of the global population is diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lives. With the diagnosis come questions, concerns, and uncertainties from both the person diagnosed and their family. So, where to go? Navigating Life with Epilepsy provides accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about epilepsy shared from the two decades of experience of epileptologist David Spencer, MD, FAAN. This book guides the reader through the initial diagnosis, offers explanations on current approaches to diagnostic testing, medications, treatment options, and life management for the patient, their family, and their caregiver. Patient's stories are peppered throughout to illustrate that you are not alone: like you, they must navigate the myriad psychosocial challenges associated with epilepsy, including everyday concerns like driving, work, and relationships. Navigating Life with Epilepsy is a perfect resource for both patients with epilepsy and the family members and friends who care for them.