JOURNAL
The ketogenic diet in the rehabilitation of children with epileptic syndromes
About the Authors
Medetbekova Zh.A. – Neurologist, head of the clinical research laboratory of neurophysiology and audiology, National Center for Children's Rehabilitation, Astana, Kazakhstan
Abdrakhmanova U.Sh. – Head of the emergency room, National Center for Children's Rehabilitation, Astana, Kazakhstan
Zhanibekova S.А. – Dietitian, National Center for Children's Rehabilitation, Astana, Kazakhstan
Muratova N.M. – First-year resident by specialty Neurology, Astana Medical University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Sabitova A.K. – First-year resident by specialty Neurology, Astana Medical University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases and is a major problem at any age, which limits a person's capabilities and reduces the quality of life. One of the alternative treatments for epilepsy and epileptic syndromes is the ketogenic diet (KD).
KD is a therapeutic diet with a high fat content, adequate protein and low carbohydrate content. Fats are used as the main source of energy for the body, ketone bodies are produced from fats - hence the name of the diet. An increase in ketone bodies in the blood leads to a decrease in seizures in patients with epilepsy and epileptic syndromes.
Objective: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of children with epileptic syndromes in various neurological diseases in different age categories.
Materials and Methods: An analysis of the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet was conducted in 30 patients who received rehabilitation treatment at the NCCR aged 2 to 18 years with various neurological diseases for the period 2021-2023.
Results: As a result of the treatment, a positive effect was observed in the majority (65%) of patients, relief of attacks – in 21%, while no dynamics – in 14%.
Keywords
Ketogenic diet, epilepsy, epileptic syndromes, effectiveness.
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