Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Tuina Intervention in Sodium Monoiodoacetate Injection-Induced Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: January 12, 2024
[The ketogenic diet as an effective treatment for Ohtahara syndrome]
Masahiro Ishii1, Masayuki Shimono, Ayako Senju
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. masahiro@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Insights
Ohtahara syndrome in infants can be challenging to treat. The ketogenic diet effectively controlled seizures in one infant unresponsive to conventional therapies, suggesting its earlier consideration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Ohtahara syndrome is a severe early-infantile epileptic encephalopathy.
- Characterized by suppression-burst EEG patterns and frequent tonic spasms.
Observation:
- A one-month-old male infant presented with Ohtahara syndrome.
- Initial therapies including pyridoxal phosphate, various anti-epileptic drugs, ACTH, TRH, and gamma-globulin were ineffective.
Findings:
- The ketogenic diet was initiated as a subsequent treatment.
- Seizure control was achieved with the ketogenic diet.
Implications:
- The ketogenic diet may be a valuable therapeutic option for Ohtahara syndrome.
- Consideration of earlier ketogenic diet implementation is recommended for refractory cases.
Abstract:
We here report on a male infant with Ohtahara syndrome. Tonic spasms in series appeared in an one-month-old baby, with his EEG showing a typical suppression burst pattern. We attempted these therapies in the following order; high-dose pyridoxal phosphate; anti-epileptic drugs; sodium valproate, phenobarbital, clonazepam and clobazam in various doses and combination; ACTH; TRH; and gamma-globulin. These did not, however, prove effective enough. Then we tried the ketogenic diet and brought his seizures under control. Therefore, we recommend that doctors who treat Ohtahara syndrome consider using the ketogenic diet earlier in the treatment regimen if the patient does not seem to be responding to conventional drug therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
