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Updated: May 27, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Metabolic treatments for intractable epilepsy
Sarah A Kelley1, Adam L Hartman
1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|November 9, 2011
Summary
For children with intractable epilepsy, dietary therapies offer effective seizure control when anticonvulsant medications fail. These metabolic treatments, including the ketogenic diet, are recognized as efficacious, tolerable, and cost-effective options.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Metabolic Medicine
- Pediatric Epilepsy
Background:
- Anticonvulsant medications are standard for epilepsy treatment.
- Intractable epilepsy persists in some children despite medication.
- Dietary therapies have a long history and growing recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative treatment options for pediatric intractable epilepsy.
- To highlight the efficacy and accessibility of dietary therapies.
- To advocate for earlier consideration of metabolic treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dietary therapies for epilepsy.
- Analysis of the four main clinical dietary approaches.
- Assessment of efficacy, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Four primary dietary therapies exist: ketogenic diet, medium chain triglyceride diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycemic index treatment.
- Studies demonstrate the efficacy of these diets in improving seizure control.
- These therapies are increasingly recognized and utilized globally.
Conclusions:
- Dietary therapies represent a viable and effective alternative for intractable epilepsy.
- These metabolic treatments should be considered earlier in the treatment paradigm.
- Dietary interventions offer a proven, tolerable, and cost-effective approach.
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