Journal of Health and Medical Sciences
ISSN 2622-7258
Published: 18 August 2020
Therapeutic Effects of Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Epilepsy
Rabeea Mubarak, Izma Raza, Aleena Khursheed, Maham Mushtaq, Birah Hanif, Ayesha Bint Majeed
The University of Lahore, Pakistan
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10.31014/aior.1994.03.03.131
Pages: 358-369
Keywords: Ketogenic Diet, Ketogenic Diet Therapy, Epilepsy, Seizures, Ketone Bodies, Amino Acids
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterized by seizures due to abnormal discharge of nerve impulses from the brain. Antiepileptic drugs are used to counter these seizures. However, in some types and severities in epilepsy where seizures are resistant to drugs, ketogenic diet (high in fat and low in carbohydrates) is used. In this review beneficial effects of ketogenic diet have been explored in treating epilepsy. It is used as a standard treatment for refractory epilepsy and has showed positive effects in treating all types of epilepsy, in all ages, especially in children. These findings were supported by previous studies which proved that ketogenic diet optimized the therapeutic effects against epilepsy by decreasing the oxidative stress, neuronal damage and enhancing the function of mitochondria. However, the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy is still unknown but it can be used as potential therapy for children. More researches are needed to conclude the same for adults.
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