Epilepsy - Understanding and Managing the Condition Across the Lifespan: A Practical Guide for Families

Epilepsy is a condition that can occur at any age. It is often characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. For some individuals, epilepsy will be a lifelong condition, while for others it may be a condition they outgrow. This practical guide explains not only the complexities of epilepsy but also details the evidence-based, best-practice treatments that help manage the condition. It also includes the lived experience of families.

The writing of Epilepsy was led by Dr. Charbel El Kosseifi, Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist at Gillette Children’s, a world-renowned center of excellence for the treatment of brain, bone, and movement conditions. Epilepsy is part of the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series, a series of books for families who are looking for clear, comprehensive information. Health care professionals, researchers, educators, students, and extended family members will also benefit from reading Epilepsy.

Other titles in the series include:

• Craniosynostosis
• Idiopathic Scoliosis
• Spastic Hemiplegia--Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
• Spastic Quadriplegia--Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
• Spastic Diplegia--Bilateral Cerebral Palsy, second edition
• Spina Bifida
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Scoliosis--Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic, and Other Causes

Charbel El Kosseifi, MD, Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press

Cheryl Tveit, RN, MSN, CNML, Principal Writer, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press

Anna Halderson, Parent

Editors

Lily Collison, MA, MSc, Program Director, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press

Elizabeth R. Boyer, PhD, Clinical Scientist, Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press

Timothy Feyma, MD, Pediatric Neurologist

Tom F. Novacheck, MD, Medical Director of Integrated Care Services, Gillette Children’s, Professor of Orthopedics, University of Minnesota, and Past-President, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine