Epilepsy The Ultimate Teen Guide

by Gay, Kathlyn; McGarrahan, Sean

• ISBN13: 9780810843394
• ISBN10: 0810843390
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-10-23
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Summary

Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and the people who have the disorder. It provides factual medical information and advice for teens on how to live a normal life. Stories from teens who have epilepsy show readers they can participate in normal activities. They also offer advice on whether and how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or an employer about the condition. This book concludes with an extensive list of publications, websites, and organizations, as well as an appendix that covers the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it applies to people who have epilepsy. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
What's Epilepsy?	1	(8)
What Is Epilepsy?	3	(1)
Brain Cells	4	(1)
Structure of the Brain	5	(1)
Seizures	6	(3)
Fact or Folklore?	9	(10)
The ``Sacred Disease''	9	(1)
Driving Out Demons	10	(2)
More Recent History of Epilepsy Treatment	12	(3)
What Causes Epilepsy and Seizures?	15	(4)
What's Happening?	19	(8)
Personal Stories	20	(7)
Diagnosis and Treatment	27	(8)
Collecting Information	27	(1)
The EEG	28	(2)
Other Diagnostic Tools	30	(2)
Treatment	32	(2)
Combating Side Effects	34	(1)
Surgery for Epilepsy	35	(6)
Success Stories	36	(2)
Types of Surgery	38	(1)
Vagus Nerve Stimulator	39	(2)
Living with Epilepsy	41	(12)
Epilepsy and Driving	43	(1)
Lifestyle Changes	44	(2)
Parental Reactions	46	(2)
First Aid	48	(2)
Seizure-Alert Dogs	50	(3)
School and Job Issues	53	(10)
School Problems	54	(2)
Dating	56	(3)
On the Job	59	(4)
Sports and Recreation	63	(6)
A Champion Swimmer	64	(1)
Biking for Epilepsy	65	(4)
The Female Factor	69	(6)
Teenage Changes	69	(1)
Catamenial Epilepsy	70	(1)
Pregnancy Concerns	71	(1)
Before and during Pregnancy	72	(3)
Finding a Cure	75	(6)
Awareness Programs	75	(1)
A Possible Brain ``Switch''	76	(1)
Gene Research	77	(1)
Clinical Trials	78	(3)
Appendix	81	(4)
Chapter Notes	85	(6)
Glossary	91	(4)
For Further Information	95	(4)
Index	99	(4)
About the Authors	103