From the Author
A guide for families to learn more about hydrocephalus. "Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Friends," is the culmination of years of our own research to learn more about this condition. According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hydrocephalus affects approximately 1 in 1000 newborns in the United States each year. Additionally, hydrocephalus can be acquired later in life (either childhood or adulthood) for a variety of reasons, including meningitis, cysts or tumors of the brain, or head trauma. Considering its high incidence rate, there are very few resources in print for families to find out more about hydrocephalus.
One of our goals when writing "Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Friends," was to present the material in laymen's terms so it could be easily understood. We have combined useful information for patients and parents with real-life stories from people who live with hydrocephalus. Their experiences, when combined with the information we've provided, helps to shed some light on how to deal with certain situations. Most importantly, the stories are a means of support for the many people who feel they are alone with this condition.
We include information on how hydrocephalus is diagnosed and treated, and covers topics on hospitalization, types of shunts, shunt revisions, and the various side effects of hydro. Also included is information on how and where to find support, dealing with insurance companies, and things you can do to be more informed about the condition. Since the majority of people who are affected by hydrocephalus are children, we have included a chapter on schooling, which also covers individualized education programs (IEPs). The book also includes a glossary and resource listings in the appendices.
About the Author
Chuck Toporek cut his teeth on a Mac II system when he got his first job in publishing in 1988, and has been using them ever since. Chuck is a senior editor in charge of the Mac OS X/Apple Developer Connection (ADC) series for O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. He is also the author/editor of the Mac OS X Panther Pocket Guide, co-author of Mac OS X in a Nutshell, and author of the upcoming title, Inside .Mac.
Kellie Robinson, who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 1971, is a freelance writer and has worked in broadcasting. Kellie also writes a column for adults with hydrocephalus for the Hydrocephalus Association's quarterly newsletter. Chuck Toporek has worked as an editor in medical and scientific publishing since 1988 and is currently the managing editor of Web Review magazine. Together, the authors combined their skills and personal experiences to research and write the first guide for patients with hydrocephalus.
