Efficacy of Treating Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in Children With Ketogenic Diet

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a significant complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Effective seizure control strategies for pediatric PTE are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• The ketogenic diet is a well-established therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in controlling seizures in children diagnosed with post-traumatic epilepsy.
• To assess the response rate to ketogenic diet therapy in a cohort of pediatric patients with PTE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with PTE treated at the Children's Hospital of Atlanta ketogenic program.
• Inclusion criteria: patients with TBI treated with ketogenic diet for at least 3 months for PTE.
• Data collected included patient demographics, TBI characteristics, seizure history, and response to ketogenic diet.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed 13 children with PTE (10 males), with a mean age of 5 years 1 month at diet initiation.
• The median duration of seizures prior to ketogenic diet was 2 years; 11 out of 13 patients had severe TBI, often from non-accidental trauma.
• A significant response rate of 69% (9/13) was observed, indicating seizure reduction with ketogenic diet treatment.

Conclusions:

• The ketogenic diet demonstrates effectiveness in reducing seizure burden among children with post-traumatic epilepsy.
• This study provides Class IV evidence supporting the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic option for pediatric PTE.
• Further research may explore long-term outcomes and optimal implementation of ketogenic diet in this population.