Tests a modified Atkins diet for newly diagnosed absence epilepsy in children
Compares a modified Atkins diet with seizure medicines in children with new absence epilepsy.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy
Key facts
- Where
- Baltimore, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 3
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 3 and 12 years old?
Source: NCT04274179, who can take part
Where in United States
- Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimore, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Johns Hopkins University
- Trial code
- NCT04274179
- Record updated
- 7 May 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Prospective, Case-control Evaluation of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for New-onset Childhood Absence Epilepsy
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.
Inclusion: 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: Previous treatment with any anticonvulsant drug; Previous use of a ketogenic dietary therapy for epilepsy or any other condition; Prior history of epilepsy (febrile seizures allowed); Glut1 deficiency syndrome; Metabolic disorder known that would preclude dietary therapy; Dietary restrictions for which a high fat, low carbohydrate diet would be precluded; Unwilling to consent to study procedures or return for visits.