Diet and Other Therapies | Treatments

Ketogenic diet
Despite the advances in medications to control seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), some people do not always respond to these treatments. When that happens, some parents and caregivers have consulted with their doctors about other forms of therapy to add to their current treatments.

Developed in the 1920s, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat (ketogenic foods), low-protein, and low-carbohydrate (antiketogenic foods)¹ diet used to help control epileptic seizures. The diet makes the body burn fat for energy instead of glucose.²

In some children with LGS, diet changes can produce dramatic improvements.

Several studies show that the ketogenic diet is effective in reducing epileptic seizures. It works best on atonic, myoclonic, and atypical absence seizures. A recent study highlighted a modest benefit in children with intractable epilepsy, like those with LGS.¹

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.³ Some potential serious adverse effects include dehydration, clinically significant metabolic acidosis when the diet is initiated, renal stones, cardiac abnormalities, and abnormal lipid profile.¹ Make sure to talk with your doctor before starting this diet.

More research is being done to learn about the underlying reasons for the diet’s positive effect.²

Alternative therapy
Often referred to as complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), these are additional therapies that may be used in conjunction with conventional LGS therapies. You should consult with your healthcare team about whether any of these therapies may be beneficial for your loved one.

Examples of alternative medicines and therapies for epilepsy include:

Massage⁵
Aromatherapy⁶
Meditation⁷
Homeopathy⁸
Acupuncture⁹

The effectiveness and safety of most complementary and alternative medicines have not been scientifically proven to treat epilepsy.

Still other options exist for treating LGS. There is a device similar to a pacemaker that can be used to control seizures.

Learn more: Vagus nerve stimulation »

References:
^1.	Glauser, TA, Morita DA, Stannard KM. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. eMedicine Web site. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment. Updated April 26, 2010. Accessed September 28, 2010.
^2.	Ketogenic diet. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/medical/treatment/diet. Accessed September 28, 2010.
^3.	Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/syndromes/lg.cfm. Accessed September 28, 2010.
^4.	Non-drug therapies. Epilepsy.com. http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/alternative_therapies. August 18, 2004. Accessed September 28, 2010.
^5.	Muller B. Massage and seizure control. In: Devinsky O, Schachter S, Pacia S, eds. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy. New York, NY: Demos; 2005:65-79.
^6.	Betts T. Aromatherapy and hypnosis. In: Devinsky O, Schachter S, Pacia S, eds. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy. New York, NY: Demos; 2005:81-93.
^7.	Deepak KK. Meditation. In: Devinsky O, Schachter S, Pacia S, eds. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy. New York, NY: Demos; 2005:95-112.
^8.	Taffler S. Homeopathy. In: Devinsky O, Schachter S, Pacia S, eds. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy. New York, NY: Demos; 2005:157-163.
^9.	Nakken KO. Acupuncture. In: Devinsky O, Schachter S, Pacia S, eds. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy. New York, NY: Demos; 2005:183-187.