New Treatment for Epilepsy To Replace Ketogenic Diet For Children

A treatment with the help of a new drug discovered in the special diet for children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy can help treat the disorder, researchers say.

Scientists from Royal Holloway, in collaboration with University College London have found that a new drug discovered in the special diet for children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy can serve as a new treatment for the disorder.

This new treatment could replace the ketogenic diet, which is often prescribed for children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy. Although the diet is seen to be effective more often than not, it has received much criticism owing to its side effects which can significantly and potentially lead to constipation, hypoglycaemia, retarded growth and bone fractures.

Professor Robin Williams from the Centre of Biomedical Sciences at Royal Holloway said, "This is an important breakthrough. The family of medium chain fatty acids that we have identified provide an exciting new field of research with the potential of identifying, stronger, and safer epilepsy treatments."

The study included testing a range of fatty acids found in the ketogenic diet against an established epilepsy treatment. Researchers found that some fatty acids not only outperformed the drug in controlling seizures, they also had fewer side effects.

Professor Matthew Walker from the Institute of Neurology, University College London said: "Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide and approximately a third of these people have epilepsy that is not adequately controlled by our present treatments. This discovery offers a whole new approach to the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsies in children and adults."

Williams added, "Animals are often used in the search for new epilepsy treatments. Our work provides a new approach, helping us to reduce reliance on animals and provide potential major improvements in human health."