Ketogenic Diet for Child Epilepsy and Seizure Control

Epilepsy Clinical Trial

Official title: Efficacy of the Ketogenic Diet -- a Blinded Study

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Twenty to thirty percent of children with epilepsy continue to suffer from seizures, even when treated with currently available anticonvulsant medications. Children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) are particularly handicapped by atonic-myoclonic seizures. Preliminary data suggest that even when other medications have failed, these seizures may respond rapidly and dramatically to a high-fat-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. The purpose of the study is to assess if the classic ketogenic diet is efficacious in reducing seizure frequency, medication toxicity, and improves quality of life.

Clinical Trial Description

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a form of therapy for seizures that involves a brief period of fasting followed by a very carefully controlled high fat-low protein and carbohydrate diet. Studies suggest it is useful in children whose seizures could not be controlled by any of the medicines available. This study is designed to test, in a carefully controlled fashion, how well the diet works in children with "drop" seizures. Children who experience 15 or more drop seizures each day, despite having used at least two medications, may be eligible to participate. This study requires children to undergo periods of fasting and to maintain a carefully controlled diet. Parents of participating children monitor their children's diets and keep daily meal and seizure diaries. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Epilepsy
• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
• Seizures

• NCT number: NCT00004729
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 1997