Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy

Description

The ketogenic diet is a medical therapy for epilepsy that is used nearly predominantly for refractory epilepsy (after 2-3 drugs have been tried and failed). However, there is both published evidence for first-line use (infantile spasms, Glut1 deficiency syndrome) and also anecdotal experience (families choosing to change the child's (or the family' own) diet rather than use anticonvulsant medications). Childhood absence epilepsy (refractory) has been published as being responsive to ketogenic diet therapy by the investigators' group previously. This is a small, prospective, 3 month trial to assess if using a modified Atkins diet is a feasible and effective option for new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The investigators will compare to a group of children in which the parents have declined and chose to start anticonvulsant medications.

Conditions

Absence Epilepsy, Ketogenic Dieting, Epilepsy, Absence

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The ketogenic diet is a medical therapy for epilepsy that is used nearly predominantly for refractory epilepsy (after 2-3 drugs have been tried and failed). However, there is both published evidence for first-line use (infantile spasms, Glut1 deficiency syndrome) and also anecdotal experience (families choosing to change the child's (or the family' own) diet rather than use anticonvulsant medications). Childhood absence epilepsy (refractory) has been published as being responsive to ketogenic diet therapy by the investigators' group previously. This is a small, prospective, 3 month trial to assess if using a modified Atkins diet is a feasible and effective option for new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The investigators will compare to a group of children in which the parents have declined and chose to start anticonvulsant medications.

A Prospective, Case-control Evaluation of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for New-onset Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy

Condition
Absence Epilepsy
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Baltimore

Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Children ages 3-12 years at seizure onset with classic childhood absence epilepsy clinically.
  • * Normal intellect or mild disability
  • * EEG with confirmed 3/second spike-wave discharges, usually with hyperventilation
  • * Daily reported absence seizures.
  • * Generalized convulsions allowed
  • * Previous treatment with any anticonvulsant drug
  • * Previous use of a ketogenic dietary therapy for epilepsy or any other condition
  • * Glut1 deficiency syndrome
  • * Metabolic disorder known that would preclude dietary therapy
  • * Dietary restrictions for which a high fat, low carbohydrate diet would be precluded.
  • * Prior history of epilepsy (febrile seizures allowed)
  • * Unwilling to consent to study procedures or return for visits

Ages Eligible for Study

3 Years to 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Johns Hopkins University,

Eric H Kossoff, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Johns Hopkins University

Study Record Dates

2026-05-01