Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk of seizures:
In some people, mainly children, a eating foods that are rich in fats and low in carbohydrates may reduce seizures. This is called the ketogenic diet.
It forces a break down fats instead of carbs to give the body energy. It is often tried in children whose seizures are not helped by medicine. It is not known why it helps.
This diet is not easy. You will not be able to eat many foods. Children often stay in the hospital to start the diet. They must meet often with a doctor and dietitian. It may also cause:
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Epilepsy in children. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900174/Epilepsy-in-children. Updated March 22, 2018. Accessed March 26, 2019.
Epilepsy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Epilepsy-Information-Page. Updated June 18, 2018. Accessed March 26, 2019.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The epilepsies: the diagnosis and management of the epilepsies in adults and children in primary and secondary care. NICE 2012 Jan:CG137.
Seizure disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
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Updated November 2018. Accessed March 26, 2019.
Treating seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation website. Available at:
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Updated: March 19, 2014. Accessed March 26, 2019.
Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD