Metabolic Treatments for Intractable Epilepsy

When a child on anticonvulsant medications continues to have seizures, what other options should be considered? Over the past 100 years, dietary therapies for the treatment of intractable epilepsy have become more widely recognized, and their use has continued to expand throughout the world. An increasing number of studies has shown efficacy of these metabolic treatments in improving seizure control. Currently, 4 types of dietary therapy are available in the clinic: the classic long chain fatty acid “ketogenic” diet, the medium chain triglyceride diet, the modified Atkins diet, and the low glycemic index treatment. These therapies should be considered earlier in the treatment of intractable epilepsy because they offer a different approach to treatment that has proven efficacious, tolerable, and cost-effective.