How do parents find out about the ketogenic diet?

It has been previously reported that child neurologists often view the ketogenic diet (KD) as a treatment of last resort. An anonymous survey was provided to parents of 107 consecutive children starting the KD at our institution. The average time from epilepsy to KD onset was 2.8 years, but the average wait time for KD onset was only 1.7 months after referral. The most common reason for starting the KD was seizure reduction, followed by less intense seizures, medication reduction, and cognitive improvement. The majority (72%) obtained information about the KD from their neurologist; however, more than half also had viewed related websites. The mean neurologist supportiveness score was 7.9/10; 53% reporting their neurologist as maximally supportive (score of 10). A score of 10 was more likely seen in those who also scored their pediatrician with 10 (69% vs. 15%, p < 0.001) and who were self-referred from our institution (56% vs. 27%, p = 0.001).

► Most child neurologists are perceived as supportive of the KD by parents. ► Many parents found out about the KD via the Internet. ► Pediatricians may be a future valuable source of information.