Epilepsy In Women

Description:
Women with epilepsy have different needs to men with epilepsy, especially at various stages in their life cycle. Epilepsy and its treatment can affect or compromise the menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility and pregnancy, child development in the womb, child care and the menopause. Conversely the menstrual cycle, contraception, pregnancy and the menopause can all affect epilepsy and its management. Epilepsy in Women: The Facts adopts the female perspective and describes in detail the special problems that epilepsy can cause. It offers information and practical advice on the symptoms, diagnosis and management of the different types of epilepsy, providing an invaluable resource that will empower women with the knowledge that they need to take control of their health and to cope with their condition. The book contains numerous case histories, which provide surprising insights into the experiences of women with epilepsy, and 'Myths' and 'Facts' boxes which help the reader sort the valuable information from the misleading.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE; 1. What is epilepsy?; 2. The physical causes and emotional triggers of epilepsy; 3. How epilepsy is diagnosed - or should be; 4. So, if it isn't epilepsy, what is it?; 5. The risks of seizures; 6. The management of epilepsy; 7. The drugs in use: Pros and cons; 8. Other treatments, other problems; PART TWO - BEING A WOMAN, HAVING EPILEPSY; 9. Being a woman - having epilepsy; 10. Epilepsy and sexuality; 11. Contraception, epilepsy and epilepsy treatment; 12. Epilepsy and fertility; 13. Pre-conception counselling; 14. Pregnancy; 15. Labour, birth and the immediate aftermath; 16. Childcare; 17. The premenopause, the perimenopause, and the menopause; 18. The older woman; 19. Being a woman, having epilepsy: Harriet's story; Appendix 1 Drugs for epilepsy; Appendix 2 Where else to find help and information