Books about Epilepsy

 

For children

Lee: the Rabbit with Epilepsy by Deborah Moss. Part of "The Special Needs Collection" for ages 4-8. Published 1989, 24 pages. Explains epilepsy in a reassuring way for newly diagnosed children, their siblings and friends.

Special People, Special Ways by Arlene Maguire. Published 2000, 32 pages. A colorfully illustrated book about children with disabilities for ages 4-8.

Just Kids : Visiting a Class for Children With Special Needs by Ellen B. Senisi. Published 1998, 40 pages. A book of photos for ages 8-12 puts a real face on children with special needs, including epilepsy.

Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About Epilepsy by Kim Gosselin. Published 1998, 32 pages. Entertaining book explains seizures and epilepsy to children ages 4-8.

For middle-schoolers or teens

Takedown by EMJ Benjamin. Banks Channel Books, 1999, 204 pages. A novel about a high school wrestler who discovers he has epilepsy. Can be enjoyed by both boys and girls.

General information for adults

Living Well with Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders by Carl W. Bazil, M.D., Ph.D. Published by Harper Resource, 2004, 260 pages.  Contains patient-oriented information about all aspects of epilepsy, including causes of epilepsy, drug and surgical treatments, alternative treatments, and lifestyle issues.

Epilepsy: Patient and Family Guide, 2nd edition, by Orrin Devinsky, MD. Published by F.A. Davis Company, 2002, 434 pages. A complete and understandable look at both medical and social aspects of epilepsy as it affects patients of all ages and their families.

Epilepsy and Seizures: Everything You Need to Know by Dr. Donald Weaver. Published by Firefly Books, 2001, 157 pages. An interesting overview of the topic, with case studies and answers to common questions.

The Brainstorms Series, by Steven C. Schachter, MD, and others, empowers people with epilepsy to share their experiences and learn from one another. Part guidebook, part support group, each book focuses on an aspect of epilepsy and offers not only expert insights, but also first-person musings from real people with epilepsy, their friends and family, and their doctors. Titles include:

Living Well with Epilepsy, 2nd edition by Robert J. Gumnit, MD. Published by Demos Medical Publishing, 1997, 176 pages. A guide to the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, emphasizing the patient's active participation in his or her own care.

For parents of children with epilepsy

Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood: A Guide for Parents, 2nd edition by John M. Freeman, MD; Eileen P.G. Vining, MD; and Diana J. Pillas. Published by The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997, 320 pages. Information to help parents in their dialogue with their own child's doctor.

Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber, MD. Published by Simon & Schuster, 1986, 251 pages.

No Easy Answers: The Learning Disabled Child at Home and at School by Sally L. Smith. Published by Bantam Books, 1995, 400 pages.

The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Epilepsy, 3rd edition by John M. Freeman, MD; Jennifer B. Freeman, and Millicent T. Kelly, RD, LD. Published by Demos Medical Publishing, 2000, 224 pages. All the facts, plus sample menus and recipes.

The Ketogenic Cookbook by Dennis and Cynthia Brake. Published by Pennycorner Press, 1997.

Alternative therapies

Epilepsy : A New Approach by Adrienne Richard and Joel Reiter, MD. Updated edition, 1995, 272 pages. A patient and physician teamed up to write this book about how people with epilepsy can take care of themselves.

Alternative and Complementary Treatment in Neurologic Illness by Michael I. Weintraub (Editor). Published by Churchill Livingstone, 2001, 288 pages. Written primarily for health care practitioners, this book explains how to approach neurologic symptoms with a combination of alternative therapies and traditional medical techniques.

Stretching, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition by Bob Anderson. Published by Shelter Publications, 2000, 223 pages. Classic introduction to static stretches to improve flexibility---a plus for practitioners of yoga and similar regimens. An accompanying video (1987) is also available.

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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