Efficacy of Modified Ketogenic Diet (Atkins) in Management of Epilepsy
- Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Registration Number
- NCT00188500
- Lead Sponsor
- University Health Network, Toronto
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with uncontrolled epilepsy can follow a low carbohydrate diet long-term and if so, how will that diet affect their seizures
- Detailed Description
In the management of drug-resistant epilepsy, many strategies have been examined. The Ketogenic Diet, high in fats and low in all other nutrients was observed to be of benefit. However, due to its complexedness and unpalatability, this diet is rarely used in the adult population. A recent small study showed seizure reduction with the Atkins Diet.
In this study, patients will be randomized into one of 2 groups- group 1 receiving limited dietary instruction for the Atkins Diet and group 2- receiving detailed dietary instruction. A seizure severity-matched control group will also take part. We will follow these patients over a period of 2 years looking at seizure frequency, weight, sustainability of the diet, effect on anti-epilepsy medication dosage, effect in cognition, quality of life and financial impact of the diet.
Patients will come to clinic to see the dietitian at specific intervals. cognitive testing will also be done at the beginning of the study and every 6 months thereafter. Patients will keep food charts, ketosis charts and seizure diaries.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- UNKNOWN
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- Not specified
medically refractory partial epilepsy financial ability to pay for higher priced food
- Low BMI
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method seizure reduction
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method cognitive improvement
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Toronto Western Hospital
🇨🇦Toronto, Ontario, Canada