The medical ketogenic diet is now a potential treatment option for Irish patients with epilepsy which has not responded to other treatments. This national service has recently been established, supported by Matthew’s Friends Charity, in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, led by Dr Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist and Laura Healy, Specialist Dietitian.
From studies in adults, we know that about a third of patients can achieve >50% reduction in seizures, when compliant with dietary changes, as well as marked improvements in alertness, energy levels and wellbeing despite no change in anticonvulsant medications.
What’s Involved?
- Ketogenic therapy involves a considerable change in food choices, cooking meals, weighing ingredients, using specific recipes and planning for eating outside the home. If oral feeding is an issue, specially formulated ketogenic tube feeds can be used.
- Ketogenic therapy requires a detailed assessment before starting the diet and a range of blood tests which are repeated at regular intervals. To undertake a ketogenic therapy without supervision of a registered dietitian and consultant neurologist can be dangerous.
- Ketogenic therapy requires careful monitoring and adjustment to optimise control of seizures and manage side effects. This involves keeping accurate records of food intake, seizures, blood ketones, blood glucose and body weight and sharing this information regularly.
- Ketogenic therapy requires support both moral and practical from friends and family.
How Can I Access This Service?
If you would like to consider a trial of ketogenic therapy please speak to your Consultant Neurologist, Epilepsy Nurse Specialist in the first instance to see if this diet is suitable for you.
They can refer you to Dr. Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin for assessment.
Further information on Ketogenic Dietary therapy is available online at www.matthewsfriends.org