Alternative Therapies for Epilepsyedited by DevinskyOrrin, SchachterSteven C.and PaciaSteven B., 232pp., Demos Medical, 2012, $49

Abstract

edited by Orrin Devinsky, Steven C. Schachter, and Steven B. Pacia, 232pp., Demos Medical, 2012, $49 The treatment of epilepsy is complex and may entail more than prescribing antiepileptic drugs. It is estimated that one-third of people with epilepsy (PWE) continue to have seizures despite treatment with conventional antiepileptic drugs. Given the consequences of recurrent seizures, it is easy to understand why PWE seek other treatment options. In Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy , Devinsky et al. aim to provide an evidence-based resource regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in epilepsy. In addition to discussing more accepted alternative treatments such as the ketogenic and modified Atkins diets, Devinsky et al. review the potential antiepileptic properties of everything from herbal remedies (ranging from traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurveda) to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Equally important, the review provides clinicians, nurses, patients, and their families with information on how such therapies may interact (both positively and negatively) with existing conventional treatments for epilepsy.