The Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Childhood Epilepsy

The ketogenic diet has been used for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in childhood for almost 100 years. This aside, it is only over the past decade that renewed interest has led to a further evidence base for efficacy, evaluation of optimal implementation and wider discussion of possible mechanisms of action. Randomised controlled data have now demonstrated the diet to be as effective as any newer anti-epileptic drug (AED) in drug-resistant epilepsy. Implementation can be challenging, and is resource-intensive, but successful use can lead to improved quality of life with most immediate side effects alleviated by dietary manipulation. However, data are still required on the choice of optimal candidates and the role of alternative diets in older children.