Epilepsy: Patient and Family Guide [Paperback]

Orrin Devinsky M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2001

Vincent Van Gogh is an inspiration for all of us. His artwork -- like the beautiful sunflowers on the cover -- is a constant reminder of how he fulfilled his potential despite living with epilepsy. So can you. Epilepsy expert, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, provides an easy-to-read guide to understanding the disease so that patients can achieve and maintain a higher quality of life. Ideal for adults with epilepsy or for parents of children with the disorder, the reader will learn about: The nature and diversity of seizures. The factors that can cause seizures or help to prevent them. The risks and benefits of selected anticonvulsants. Medical and surgical therapies for seizures. Various ways diet affects seizures. This book will educate recently-diagnosed patients, as well as those who have been living with epilepsy for years.Arm your patients with reliable and factual knowledge about epilepsy, dispel uncertainties and fears, build independence, and help patients become their own advocates. "People with seizure disorders (and their families) need a source of information that is readable, reliable, and credible. This book is such a source of information -- and it does an excellent job in fulfilling this role." -- Le Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques, Volume 29, No. 4, November 2002 "Ideal for the patient and family member who wishes to go beyond what is routinely available in patient education brochures. It is difficult to find any other publication that is so inclusive in regard to the variety of issues facing patients and family members with epilepsy." -- Medical Science Books.com "This book is comprehensive and up-to-date, and it can be recommended confidently to patients and families." -- May 2004 issue of Psychiatric Times

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent source of accurate and insightful information on epilepsy." — Eric R. Hargis, President and CEO, Epilepsy Foundation

"A most valuable resource for anyone affected by epilepsy." — Oliver Sacks, M.D.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: F.A. Davis Company; 2 edition (November 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080360498X
• ISBN-13: 978-0803604988
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,832,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best lay-person's reference on epilepsy I've seen!, April 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Hoboken, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to Understanding and Living with Epilepsy (Paperback)

After years of only medical texts and pamphlets from the EFA, it finally happened...a great neurologist took the time to write a book for those of us with epilepsy, our friends, and our families. He helps dispel many of the myths that exist about seizure disorders. Never patronizing and extremely informative, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Devinsky's book for anyone in need of information about seizure disorders.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good resource, April 12, 2009

By 

C. Wagner "cecilkunkle" (On the banks of the Wabash far away) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Epilepsy: Patient and Family Guide (Paperback)

More coverage than the usual general publications. Of course, that means all does not apply to your situation, but what does? And, since this is the third edition and only a year from copyright, the information is reasonably current and the reader can always search Amazon for the fourth edition. The section on resources is particularily important, since treatment, etc. will continually change, for the better we would hope. The important websites will be constantly updated. The glossary and index are a helpful bonus.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great advice, July 7, 2000

By 

"dibiaso" (longview, wa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to Understanding and Living with Epilepsy (Paperback)

Excellent book in easy to understand language. Found the chapter on surgical options very informative.