Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy
Absence Epilepsy, Ketogenic Dieting, Epilepsy, Absence
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Absence Epilepsy focused on measuring ketogenic, diet, absence
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion 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
Exclusion Criteria:
- 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
Sites / Locations
- Johns Hopkins HospitalRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Diet therapy
Drug therapy
Modified Atkins Diet - high fat, low carbohydrate, outpatient initiated approach. Parents will check urine ketones twice weekly and follow by email, phone and clinic. Labs at baseline and 3 months. Dietitian support.
Families will have the usual care for absence epilepsy at the discretion of the family's neurologist and the family choice. Typically ethosuximide bis in die (BID), however, if convulsions have occurred or other factors are involved, the child may be started on valproate or lamotrigine. The child will continue medications with dose adjustment and antiseizure drug levels checked as usual. **OF NOTE, THIS ARM IS COMPLETED