Why a new book about epilepsy and seizures?
Across the world, millions of people with epilepsy suffer preventable injury, stigma, and barriers to care, often because easy-to-understand, and up-to-date epilepsy information is not accessible. Our new book, Epilepsy and Seizures: Building Care in the Community (April 2026) fills this gap with thoughtful, accurate, illustrated, and rigorously reviewed information about epilepsy.
The book is designed for use everywhere, and especially in low-resource settings. With its focus on improving conditions at the community level, this book proposes ways to challenge stigma and build support for people with epilepsy, especially in places where care is limited.
Now available to purchase now through Hesperian’s online book store!
How to help a person having a seizure from chapter 2 of Epilepsy and Seizures
What this book covers
Hesperian’s Epilepsy and Seizures provides information and strengthens networks to enable people with epilepsy and their families to live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives through improved seizure control, management of seizure triggers, and epilepsy education. This much-needed resource presents easy-to-understand and practical information about seizure types, seizure first aid, treatment options, and pregnancy and childbirth with epilepsy, and offers strategies to support the wellbeing of children and adults with epilepsy. The book’s emphasis on the social dimensions of epilepsy includes methodologies to understand and reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and prevent the physical and structural violence that can cause epilepsy and seizures. Designed for people with epilepsy as well as parents, advocates, health providers, teachers, and local leaders, this community-centered resource will be a lifesaver anywhere epilepsy care and information is limited—which is everywhere.
Our Community Review Process
The book development process for Epilepsy and Seizures has employed Hesperian’s proven participatory model, with draft chapters reviewed by more than 100 individuals and 40 organizations across 25 countries. Their input has informed the book’s focus and content, and their experiences are incorporated as stories, dialogue, and suggestions. Hesperian is working closely with the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), and country-specific partners to ensure the content is practical, culturally relevant, and accessible. This approach recognizes that people living with epilepsy, their families, caregivers, and health workers are well positioned to both inform and use the resulting book.
Sample Pages
Table of Contents: Epilepsy and Seizures
Ch. 1 – Epilepsy and seizures affect the brain
Ch 2 – How to help a person having seizures
Ch. 3 – Types of seizures and how to identify them
Ch. 4 – Medicines for epilepsy
Ch. 5 – Taking action against epilepsy stigma
Ch. 6 – Living well with epilepsy
Ch. 7 – Pregnancy and birth with epilepsy
Ch. 8 – Talking with children about epilepsy and seizures
Ch. 9 – Preventing violence can prevent epilepsy and seizures
We greatly appreciate your input on this and all Hesperian resources. For more information about this resource, or to share feedback, suggestions, or ideas, please email us at [email protected]
Hesperian staff writer, Aditi Malhotra (front), hosts a group review and feedback session in collaboration with Samman Association, one of our partners in Mumbai.
Health workers in Colombia participate in a group review session to gather feedback on Epilepsy and Seizures.
Explore these blog postings to learn about our community partners.
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