Epilepsy and the Family

“Although he does a stellar job of explaining what a seizure disorder is and how it is diagnosed and treated, Lechtenberg, a professor of neurology, goes one step further by exploring the impact it has on the entire family. Spouses might be interested in reading about marriage, childbearing and sexual activity. Children will find answers to their questions about living with an epileptic parent. Siblings will find pertinent information on personality changes, fear and resentment. All will find useful answers to personal questions they would probably hesitate to ask their physician.”—We

“Good information on the emotional side of living with a child, sibling or spouse with this unpredictable condition.”—Deborah Wormser, Dallas Morning News

“Despite striking recent advances in the treatment of epilepsy, the disease still leaves many of its sufferers and their families pessimistic and fearful. Lechtenberg seeks to lessen those feelings with a detailed accounting of epilepsy’s cause, many and various types, and possible treatments and controls, and by suggesting practical coping methods. The text is easy to read, and frequent tables summarize important material… Lechtenberg demolishes several myths; for example, pointing out that thinking that one can carry out a burglary or murder during a seizure is ‘ludicrous.’ He also draws attention to the misuse of confidential information by employers, insurers, governmental agencies, and physicians. This clear and informative book speaks to anyone who is in any way involved with epilepsy.”—William Beatty, Booklist

“Lechtenberg updates his 1984 classic on epilepsy, providing new information on the drugs, therapies, and surgical techniques that have been developed in the past 15 years. Personal and family problems caused by epilepsy vary from negligible to devastating, and Lechtenberg addresses coping strategies for the wide range of practical and emotional challenges that seizure disorders can introduce into the lives of patients and their families. Lechtenberg explains the latest pharmaceutical treatments and the new clinical data on drug combinations and their side effects. Up-to-date statistics for mortality, reproduction, violent behavior, divorce, and suicide are also covered. This authoritative book answers the questions that epileptics and their families may not think to ask their doctors as well as those they may have been too embarrassed or afraid to bring up.”—James Swanton, Library Journal