05 March 2009

Intractable seizures controlled by 80% fat diet

A four-year-old girl in Cornwall was suffering from a rare drug-resistant seizure disorder - myoclonic astatic epilepsy. She was having scores of episodes per day, and had to wear a football helmet to protect her from head trauma. Now a ketogenic diet comprised of 80% fat has controlled the seizures:
Sarah Laslett's diet includes cream, butter, nuts and eggs and is devised by Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London…

The high fat, low carboydrate, low protein diet is so finely balanced it has to be carefully calculated by experts who are on hand for advice and support.

One of the key features is restrictions on high-sugar foods, breads, pasta, cereal and starchy vegetables…

It has been 24 days since Sarah's last blackout but she still wears a helmet to play outside - just in case the fits return.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...