Hi all-
This might be a dumb question, but here goes...
After reading what everyone's posted about the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet, I'm thinking of giving a dietary treatment a go for Sarah. She's game, because she hates the Topamax, but she's also 15. Which means that I can't control every single thing she eats.
So here's my question: She has partial complex seizures, and hasn't had one in about five months on the Topamax. If she has a single type of seizure that's well-controlled on a medication, does that mean she can try the less restrictive type of diet, instead of the full bore ketogenic diet?
Ketogenic diet for teens
Hi Annie,
You are right - getting a teen to completely change their diet can be a challenge. I have some suggestions. The modified atkins diet is way easier than the ketogenic diet because it does not limit the amount of food and fluids. But, it works on the same principle - no sugar and limited carbs that puts the body in Ketosis.
If she is well controlled on the meds and there are NO side effects, then there is a decision to make. What I like about the atkins diet is that if it controls the seizures, it is a better way to go if the teen can adhere to it. The downside - when you are in full ketosis - you sometimes get bad breath.
There are tons of recipes so that is not an issue. There is also lots of research proving it is effective for seizure control for adults.
Arlene Martell (Mom of Adam above)
Publisher, EpilepsyMoms.com
Modified Atkins diet
I'm tending towards trying the Atkins diet. I'm going to look for some of the research you mentioned. She's 15, so she's almost an adult, right?
THAT's a scary thought.
I'll have to have proof when we go to her neurologist next month. I'm hoping to transition her off meds by the time she starts her second year of high school in the fall.