Ketogenic Diet for Pediatric Epilepsy- IT WORKS!!

Cynthia - posted on 01/18/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

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My son, Drew began having seizures when he was just under two years old. The seizures WERE NOT controlled by 5 medications at one time. Drew became a drugged shell of himself. The doctors diagnosed him with Idiopathic Epilepsy [basically, no reason for seizures]. He had myoclonic, generalized, drop attacks, and stare attacks. He had up to 50-60 seizures A DAY. I was seven months pregnant with my daughter and I had a five year old son. All the EEG tests came back normal unless they actually caught one while he was connected to the machine. After several days and hours of research I came across the Ketogenic Diet for Pediatric Epilepsy. This diet is very tedious, BUT IT WORKS!! If anyone has a similar situation with their child PLEASE PLEASE look into this diet. Drew was able to be weaned off of all medication and after two years on the diet, we weaned him off of it as well. Drew became seizure free for 7 years. In early 2009 Drew began having mild drop attacks again, but it is now completely controlled by one medication. He is normal and plays baseball, goes hunting, rides his bike, ect. By the way, the neurologist tried to discourage the diet because it is difficult and requires a huge commitment, but I insisted on trying it and I believe it saved Drew’s life!!!

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Cee - posted on 04/21/2010

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Congrats! My daughter has been on the diet since Jan 21 of this year. She is not seizure free but it has helped significantly. She has infantile spasms and complex partial seizures. At our worst she was having up to 20 seizures a day. Now we average one. I was scared the diet was going to be hard but we have an amazing nutritionist through our neurologist. We told her what Aislinn liked to eat and she tailored recipes just for her. My only complaint is that ketocal is so pricey and unfortnately our insurance will not cover it. I use it sparingly.

Tanza - posted on 04/18/2010

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Cynthia - I had seen something briefly on this diet. What kinds of epilepsy is it known to work for? My son has benign rolandic epilepsy and absence seizures.
Thanks, Tanza

Ashley - posted on 01/25/2010

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That is a really amazing encouraging story. My daughter is 18 months old and has been having seizures since she was 4 months old. We have tried numerous medications with little help. We are right now trying a non-conventional steroid treatment (not ACTH, we have tried that twice!) which seems to be working, knock on wood! Our next step is the diet, so it is great to hear such a good turnout. Thank you!