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Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy

A Prospective, Case-control Evaluation of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for New-onset Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Who can join

Ages 3 to 12 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children ages 3-12 years at seizure onset with classic childhood absence epilepsy clinically.
* Normal intellect or mild disability
* EEG with confirmed 3/second spike-wave discharges, usually with hyperventilation
* Daily reported absence seizures.
* Generalized convulsions allowed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous treatment with any anticonvulsant drug
* Previous use of a ketogenic dietary therapy for epilepsy or any other condition
* Glut1 deficiency syndrome
* Metabolic disorder known that would preclude dietary therapy
* Dietary restrictions for which a high fat, low carbohydrate diet would be precluded.
* Prior history of epilepsy (febrile seizures allowed)
* Unwilling to consent to study procedures or return for visits

About the study

The ketogenic diet is a medical therapy for epilepsy that is used nearly predominantly for refractory epilepsy (after 2-3 drugs have been tried and failed). However, there is both published evidence for first-line use (infantile spasms, Glut1 deficiency syndrome) and also anecdotal experience (families choosing to change the child's (or the family' own) diet rather than use anticonvulsant medications). Childhood absence epilepsy (refractory) has been published as being responsive to ketogenic diet therapy by the investigators' group previously. This is a small, prospective, 3 month trial to assess if using a modified Atkins diet is a feasible and effective option for new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The investigators will compare to a group of children in which the parents have declined and chose to start anticonvulsant medications.

What is being tested

• Modified Atkins Diet (other)
• Absence epilepsy medications (drug)

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University · Participants: 40 · Started: Aug 10, 2020

Contact the study team

• Eric H Kossoff, MD · Phone: 4109559100

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04274179

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.