Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood

The award-winning 'Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood' has already become the standard resource for parents in need of comprehensive medical information about their child with epilepsy. Now this highly praised book has been thoroughly revised and updated by the original authors--experts from the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and board members of the Epilepsy Foundation of America--to reflect the latest approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in childhood. One of the most significant advances in the treatment of epilepsy over the past six years has been the revival of the 'ketogenic diet' as a treatment for children who either do not respond to traditional drug therapy or who suffer intolerable side effects from medications. This second edition of 'Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood' describes the diet in detail and recommends its use whenever appropriate and possible. In addition to providing up-to-date information about new diagnostic techniques, as well as drugs, diet, and surgical treatment, this edition also includes a new chapter, "Routine Medical Care and Epilepsy," addressing the special needs of children with epilepsy regarding common childhood illnesses, anesthesia during surgery, routine immunizations, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and vitamins. As they did in the first edition of 'Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood,' the authors stress the importance of helping children with seizures and epilepsy to live as normal a life as possible. They assert that any treatment of a child's seizures must both be effective and cause minimum side effects, and they argue that parents and doctors alike should encourage children with epilepsy to participate actively in school activities and sports.