ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR EPILEPSY

Description

Written by three distinguished epileptologists with a long-standing interest in alternative therapies, this book provides an evidence-based consideration of the use of complimentary and alternative (CAM) therapies in epilepsy care. Organized by problem, the authors review alternative approaches to epilepsy- related conditions to help physicians, healthcare professionals, CAM providers, and patients understand the options and safely integrate treatments that work into their regimens.

The book begins with an overview of the therapies themselves, including herbal remedies, nutrition, alternative pharmacological therapies, physical treatments, and neurobehavioral approaches, and also discusses medication-related considerations and caveats. The next group of chapters covers CAM and preventive approaches to mitigating the effects of epilepsy and epilepsy therapies, such as drug toxicity and side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), seizures, enhancing cognitive function, issues for women (pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause), and managing anxiety and depression. The final part of the book focuses on quality of life and lifestyle modifications to reduce seizure risk, including techniques for stress reduction, sleep disturbances and aids to normalize, alcohol and recreational drugs, and environmental factors.

• Evidence-based review of CAM therapies for epilepsy
• Problem-oriented, practical approach to integrating alternative treatments into traditional regimens for healthcare providers
• Written by distinguished epileptologists with broad clinical experience
• Addresses all aspects of health for persons with epilepsy (not just seizures) and offers practical suggestions for improving patient care and patient health

Contents

1. Alternative Therapies: An Overview,
2. Herbal Remedies
3. Nutrition
4. Alternative Pharmacological Therapies
5. Physical Treatments
6. Neurobehavioral Approaches
7. Countering the Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs, Seizures and Brain Injury
8. Women's Issues
9. Preventing Injury from Seizures
10. Enhancing Cognitive Function
11. Managing Anxiety and Depression
12. Stress and Epilepsy
13. Stress Reduction
14. Sleep and Seizures
15. Alcohol, Over-the-Counter and Recreational Drugs
16. Environmental Factors

About the Authors

Orrin Devinsky, MD
Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

Steven Schachter, MD
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School

Steven Pacia, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine