The book is based on the records of seven hundred forty-two children seen over a period of fifteen years in the Epilepsy Clinic of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Clinic was founded in 1927 by Drs. Edward A. Park and Adolf Meyer. Dr. Bridge was Director of Research from 1928 and Physician-in-Charge from 1935 until 1944.

The author states the book differs from the ordinary textbook: the description of signs and symptoms is minimal, whereas the main emphasis is put on the underlying factors. The difference, however, seems to be that it is written for physicians, nurses, social workers, parents and educators; to satisfy such a varied audience