Modified Atkins Diet for the Treatment of Resistant Epilepsy: Case Report

Abstract

Ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet with moderate amounts of protein which leads the body to use fat as the major source of energy instead of carbohydrates. It is suggested that epileptic seizures can be reduced by a mechanism of action of ketones, which are produced by the breakdown of fats, to the brain. Modified Atkins diet (MAD) was first developed in 2003 at John Hopkins Hospital as a treatment option for refractory epilepsy. Carbohydrate intake is limited to 10 to 20 g/day in MAD, and studies showed that seizure control is achieved although there are no restrictions on calories, protein and fat (approximately 75% of daily calories). It is frequently used in older children and adolescents as it is less restrictive and easy to use compared with classic ketogenic diet. In this case report, the efficacy of MAD on seizure control in a patient with resistant epilepsy was presented. Two months after initiation of the diet, patient became seizure-free and no serious side effects were observed. In patients with resistant epilepsy who do not respond to medications, MAD applied under the supervision of health professionals may be used as an effective treatment option.