[Interest of the ketogenic diet in a refractory status epilepticus in adults]

Abstract

Introduction: Ketogenic diets have been employed for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children since 1921, although underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Observation: We report the case of a 54-year-old man with partial refractory status epilepticus who exhibited a favourable outcome about seven days after introduction of a ketogenic diet in association with antiepileptic drugs.

Discussion: Although its efficiency was largely demonstrated in children, little is known about the impact of a ketogenic diet in adults with refractory epilepsy.

Conclusion: Introduction of a ketogenic diet requires a multidisciplinary approach. Its usefulness in adult intractable epilepsy and/or refractory status epilepticus merits further study into its efficacy in reducing the frequency of seizures and a possible prolonged effect.