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Epilepsy
Once 'mystical,' now a curable condition

by Health Library

Often misunderstood, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Today epilepsy is known to be a treatable medical condition, but as late as the 19th century, the disease was considered to be mystical in nature.

The name itself comes from the Greek word "epilepsia," meaning to "take hold, as if by supernatural forces." People with epilepsy were often treated with suspicion and fear.

Epilepsy is a group of brain disorders, characterized by excessive and dysfunctional electrical brainstorms. Today, advances in diagnosis, medical therapy, neurosurgery and other medical devices can help manage or even cure the condition. But a social stigma still exists. Information and education is the key to helping those with epilepsy cope and for those around them to be supportive.

A great book to start learning about epilepsy comes from the excellent 100 Questions & Answers series, 100 Questions & Answers About Epilepsy, by Anuradha Singh, M.D. (Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2006). As might be expected, the format of this book is question and answer, organized for easy navigation, addressing such subjects as risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, special populations, and epilepsy surgery.

This book answers frequently asked questions ranging from the basics: "What is a seizure?" and "What do I need to know about the brain in order to understand epilepsy?" to questions about the latest diagnostic techniques and epilepsy treatments: "What is temporal and extra-temporal surgery and "What is neuroprosthesis?"

The answers provided are intelligent and informative, yet written in lay language for ease of comprehension. The author is a practicing neurologist with clinical experience and understanding. Singh also includes commentary from an epilepsy patient, providing insight into a sufferer's perspective.

For those people coping with epilepsy themselves or in someone they love, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has published, Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life, by Ilo E. Leppik, M.D. (AAN, 2007). This new book provides important information that can improve the quality of life for those with epilepsy by discussing a variety of ways to manage the disease. From treating the disorder with medication or surgery, to day-to-day issues such as diet and nutrition, pregnancy, and transportation, this book offers sensible, reliable advice. Illustrations clarify the author's points and a glossary at the back of the book provides definitions for unfamiliar terms.

Taking a different approach, Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy, edited by Orrin Devinsky, M.D., et al (Demos, 2005), is written for both health-care professionals and savvy laypersons. Written by a number of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) experts representing a range of specialties, this book does an excellent job of marrying CAM therapies for epilepsy with scientifically-based "traditional" medical care.

Sometimes claims made by CAM practitioners are unreliable. The authors of this book do a commendable job of presenting the facts about the science and the experience behind the therapies discussed.

Among the CAM approaches included in the book are methods for seizure reduction, such as neurofeedback, autogenic training, massage, hypnosis, meditation and more. Asian, herbal and homeopathic therapies are also discussed, as are nutritional approaches, like the ketogenic diet.

The alternative medical therapies covered include transcranial magnetic stimulation and hormonal therapy. Other epilepsy treatment includes oxygen, manipulation, osteopathic, music, art and pet therapies. Readers of this book can be assured that they are getting a balanced view of alternative therapies for epilepsy.

All three of these books, along with many more that can help people better manage their own health care, are on the shelves of the Stanford Health Library. The Health Library even has complete e-books, available on any computer to patrons who register with the library. Call 650-725-8400 to subscribe to NetLibrary. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy, discussed above, is available both in print and as an e-book.

Visit the library, call or send an e-mail for research assistance and information packets that are prepared free of charge. Branches are located at the Stanford Shopping Center near Bloomingdale's; on the third floor of Stanford Hospital; or on the main level of Stanford's new Cancer Center. Call 650-725-8400 or visit healthlibrary.stanford.edu. E-mail healthlibrary@stanfordmed.org to learn more.