Children and adolescents with epilepsy present a challenge to health care professionals, but it is a challenge that is being met with greater success each day as new treatment options are discovered. Treatment begins by pinpointing the classification of seizures through diagnostic exams and tests. Once the exact type of seizure is known, opportunities ranging from the ketogenic diet to anticonvulsive medication to sophisticated surgical treatments are explored with the child and family.

Sutter is fortunate to have pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons and pediatric nutritionists to provide an exceptional level of expertise. These specialists work with a highly trained nursing staff to provide a comprehensive, personal care path for each child.

Ketogenic Diet

In the 1920s, before there were medications for epilepsy, doctors prescribed patients follow a diet high in fat but low in calories. The diet created a physical state similar to starving called "ketosis" that effectively inhibited seizures. With the introduction of anticonvulsive medications, the diet fell out of favor until a resurgence of interest in the 1990s.

The Ketogenic diet has stood the test of time and continues to prove its effectiveness for children, sometimes even more effective that medication. Results show that:

• 25 percent of patients have 90 percent or greater reducing of seizures


• 50 percent of patients have 50-90 percent reduction in seizures


• 75 percent of patients partially or completely wan off seizure medications


• Children experience greater alertness and increases developmental progress


• Families enjoy an improved quality of life

The diet consists of three meals per day of weighed amounts of heavy cream, butter and vegetable oil; limited amounts of protein; and very small amounts of fruits and vegetables. Ketogenic formula is also available for babies.

Once a patient has been referred, each child and family consults with a pediatric neurologist and pediatric nutrition specialist. Parents must make a commitment to help the child stay strictly on the diet. Patients must go through a short hospitalization to allow medical staff to supervise a ketogenic fast and initiate the diet. The child and family is taught the diet and supervised through follow-up visits with the pediatric neurologist and pediatric nutrition specialist. Children usually stay on the diet from two to four years, and many never experience another seizure.

The Ketogenic Diet Program is available by referral only. If you would like more information, please call (916) 733-1025.

Extensive information on epilepsy and its causes, symptoms, exams and tests and treatments, including the ketogenic diet, is available in our health information section and the Starbright World Network.

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