Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Epilepsy: Beyond Anecdotes

The ketogenic diet has been used as a therapy for refractory epilepsy in children since the 1920's. It was only recently, however, that a randomized, controlled study confirmed it to be effective in reducing seizures. Is there a role for the ketogenic diet as first-line therapy for epilepsy? Which patients stand to benefit the most from this diet, and what are some of its potential adverse effects? Dr. Douglas Nordli, associate professor of neurology and pediatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Lorna S. and James P. Langdon Chair of Pediatric Epilepsy, offers details on this trial and explores mechanisms through which we may generate more timely results in our research for patients with epilepsy. Dr. Jennifer Shu hosts.