Childhood absence epilepsy successfully treated with the paleolithic ketogenic diet.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Childhood absence epilepsy is an epilepsy syndrome responding relatively well to the ketogenic diet with one-third of patients becoming seizure-free. Less restrictive variants of the classical ketogenic diet, however, have been shown to confer similar benefits. Beneficial effects of high fat, low-carbohydrate diets are often explained in evolutionary terms. However, the paleolithic diet itself which advocates a return to the human evolutionary diet has not yet been studied in epilepsy.

RESULTS:

Here, we present a case of a 7-year-old child with absence epilepsy successfully treated with the paleolithic ketogenic diet alone. In addition to seizure freedom achieved within 6 weeks, developmental and behavioral improvements were noted. The child remained seizure-free when subsequently shifted toward a paleolithic diet.

CONCLUSION:

It is concluded that the paleolithic ketogenic diet was effective, safe and feasible in the treatment of this case of childhood absence epilepsy.

• Authors: Zsófia Clemens, Anna Kelemen, András Fogarasi, Csaba Tóth
• Journal: Neurology and therapy (Neurol Ther) Vol. 2 Issue 1-2 Pg. 71-6 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 2193-8253 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 26000218 (Publication Type: Journal Article)