The ketogenic diet in intractable childhood epilepsy

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate protein, low carbohydrate diet that has been used for decades in the treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy. The mechanism of action of the diet remains unknown, but the diet has been proven an effective alternative epilepsy treatment in children that have been carefully selected, monitored, and followed. The diet requires a comprehensive medical team approach in concert with intensive parental involvement.

In catastrophic epilepsies in childhood such as Lennox-Gastaut-Syndrome and progressive myoclonic epilepsy, nonpharmacologic interventions (surgery, the ketogenic diet, and vagus nerve stimulation) have been proven effective and should be considered as important aspects of a comprehensive treatment plan. The ketogenic diet has also recently been shown to be a safe, well-tolerated, and possibly effective potential alternative to other therapies for infantile spasms. In GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome caused by impaired glucose transport into the brain, ketones provide an alternative fuel for the brain, effectively controlling seizures and improving development.

With better understanding of the scientific principles underlying brain ketosis, it should be possible to optimize the KD to achieve even better results.