Epilepsy The Ultimate Teen Guide

by Gay, Kathlyn; McGarrahan, Sean

• ISBN13: 9780810858350
• ISBN10: 0810858355
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-09
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Summary

Teens can lead normal, active lives despite having Epilepsy, and this book shows them how other teens are doing so. Through their stories they offer advice on whether and how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or an employer about the condition. Important teen issues, such as driving, dating, sports, and college are addressed. How the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) applies to people with epilepsy is also reviewed.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
What's Epilepsy?	p. 1
What Is Epilepsy?	p. 3
Brain Cells	p. 4
Structure of the Brain	p. 5
Seizures	p. 6
Fact or Folklore?	p. 9
The "Sacred Disease"	p. 9
Driving Out Demons	p. 10
More Recent History of Epilepsy Treatment	p. 12
What Causes Epilepsy and Seizures?	p. 15
What's Happening?	p. 19
Personal Stories	p. 20
Diagnosis and Treatment	p. 27
Collecting Information	p. 27
The EEG	p. 28
Other Diagnostic Tools	p. 30
Treatment	p. 32
Combating Side Effects	p. 34
Surgery for Epilepsy	p. 35
Success Stories	p. 36
Types of Surgery	p. 38
Vagus Nerve Stimulator	p. 39
Living with Epilepsy	p. 41
Epilepsy and Driving 24	p. 43
Lifestyle Changes	p. 44
Parental Reactions	p. 46
First Aid	p. 48
Seizure-Alert Dogs	p. 50
School and Job Issues	p. 53
School Problems	p. 54
Dating	p. 56
On the Job	p. 59
Sports and Recreation	p. 63
A Champion Swimmer	p. 64
Biking for Epilepsy	p. 65
The Female Factor	p. 69
Teenage Changes	p. 69
Catamenial Epilepsy	p. 70
Pregnancy Concerns	p. 71
Before and during Pregnancy	p. 72
Finding a Cure	p. 75
Awareness Programs	p. 75
A Possible Brain "Switch"	p. 76
Gene Research	p. 77
Clinical Trials	p. 78
Appendix	p. 81
Chapter Notes	p. 85
Glossary	p. 91
For Further Information	p. 95
Index	p. 99
About the Authors	p. 103
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