How much can a physician explain in a single office visit? That question inspired Navigating Life with Epilepsy (Oxford University Press, 2016), the next book in the American Academy of Neurology's Neurology Now Books series.

Written by David Spencer, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology and director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, the book provides a full overview of the disease. It also answers questions for patients and families and suggests other topics to discuss at their next office visit.

The potential value of such a comprehensive book is clear, Dr. Spencer says. "Hard data show that individuals who are more knowledgeable about their medical conditions have better outcomes."

Dr. Spencer covers everything from the historical roots of epilepsy and the surrounding stigma, to managing the disease and ensuring successful clinical visits. He also explains the genetic and acquired causes of epilepsy, testing, treatments, medications, side effects, surgical therapy, and other options, such as neurostimulation, medical devices, dietary therapy, and complementary and alternative medicine. The book addresses the treatment of special populations, such as women, teens, and those with status epilepticus, a dangerous condition in which seizures follow one another without recovery of consciousness between them.

"My hope is that the book can be used as an important reference, combined with information you get from your doctor or nurse practitioner, what you learn online, and what you hear from your epilepsy support group," says Dr. Spencer.

Navigating Life with Epilepsy is available from all major booksellers.