Despite the advances in medications to control seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut
syndrome (LGS), some children and young adults do not always respond to treatments.
When that happens, some parents and caregivers have sought other forms of therapy
for their loved ones. As always, your doctor should be consulted in any decision
regarding your loved one's treatment.
Ketogenic diet
Developed in the 1920s, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat (ketogenic foods), low-protein
and low-carbohydrate (antiketogenic foods)63 diet used to help control epileptic
seizures. The diet makes the body burn fat for energy instead of glucose.64
In some children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, diet changes can produce dramatic
improvements. About two-thirds of children experience some benefits from the ketogenic
diet.65 The ketogenic diet is not a do-it-yourself diet. The regime is
medically administered and takes a strong commitment from the whole family. Like
all therapies, it can have significant side effects.66
In some children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, diet changes can produce dramatic
improvements.
Potential serious adverse effects include dehydration, clinically significant metabolic
acidosis when the diet is initiated, renal stones, cardiac abnormalities, and abnormal
lipid profile.67
More research is being done to learn about the underlying reasons for the diet's
positive effect.68
Western and Eastern medicine both offer therapies that do not involve medication
or surgery.
Often referred to as complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), these therapies
are used in addition to conventional therapies to try to improve results. A complementary
therapy may, for example, be used in addition to a prescribed medicine to help reduce
side effects.69
Examples of alternative medicines and therapies for epilepsy include:
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Meditation
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture70
The effectiveness and safety of most complementary and alternative medicines have
not been proven.
References
63 Glauser, Tracy A. MD. "Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment and Medication."
eMedicine. April 10, 2006. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment
64 Epilepsy Foundation. "Ketogenic Diet." Web. Accessed August 21,
2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/index.cfm
65 Epilepsy Foundation. "Ketogenic Diet." Web. Accessed August 21,
2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/index.cfm
66 Epilepsy Foundation. "Epilepsy Syndromes: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome."
Web. Accessed August 20, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/syndromes/lg.cfm
67 Glauser, Tracy A. MD. "Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment and Medication."
eMedicine. April 10, 2006. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment
68 Epilepsy Foundation. "Ketogenic Diet." Web. Accessed August 21,
2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/index.cfm
69 Steven C. Schachter, M.D. "Non-Drug Therapies." Epilepsy.com. August
18, 2004. Web. Accessed September 15, 2009. http://www.epilepsy.com/EPILEPSY/alternative_therapies
70 Devinsky, Orrin, et al, editors. Complementary and Alternative
Therapies for Epilepsy. Demos Medical Publishing, New York. 2005.