Good books for parents of children with seizures are hard to find. This paperback book, written by two neurologists and a child psychiatrist with extensive experience in a large seizure clinic, fills that gap.
The book begins with ten "basic rules" for parents of children with epilepsy, including the importance of collaboration with their child's physician, knowledge about the child's condition, and regular administration of medication. The authors give sensible advice about family rules and guidelines in treating children's behavior. The book continues with 14 chapters that describe seizure disorders, their diagnostic evaluation, "spells" that are not epilepsy, treatment of the acute convulsion, and behavioral and social aspects of epilepsy. The main strengths of the book are its thoughtful and reassuring discussions of pertinent facts about seizures. It dispels many common myths about epilepsy and its treatment. It is practical and useful, with specific suggestions about babysitting, the use of