Management of refractory epilepsy by using polyunsaturated fatty acid ketogenic diet – A case study

Abstract

Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a high-fat, low carbohydrate and normal or high protein diet at a ratio of 4:1 (Fat: Carbohydrate+Protein), predominantly used in refractory epilepsy. The fat used in classical ketogenic diet are predominantly saturated fatty acids. Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid Ketogenic Diet (PUFAKD) is composed of high polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3 at 2.8:1 ratio), optimum protein and low carbohydrate. A patient, after failure of 3 consecutive anti-epileptic drugs consulted the neurologist at an epilepsy management clinic and diagnosed as a case of refractory epilepsy. In the current case study, the patient (27 months old girl) was experiencing generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She was advised PUFAKD for 6 months to control the seizures and the progress was monitored during each monthly follow up. The PUFAKD intervention showed 50%, 65% and 80% seizure reduction at 3rd month, 4th month and 6th month respectively. The Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were reduced from 3 to 2 after 6 months of intervention. The patient has shown 100% tolerability to the diet with no side effects. The present case study demonstrates promising role of PUFAKD in controlling refractory epilepsy. Keywords: Ketogenic diet, Epilepsy, Seizure, Children, Dietary Management, Nutrition.