Ketogenic Diet Therapy for Epilepsy and Other Neurologic and Metabolic Based Conditions, Second Edition

The notion of a dietary treatment for epilepsy is rooted in the writing of Hippocrates who described a man whose seizures were cured by fasting. The classic Ketogenic Diet (KD) was initially designed in 1921 at the Mayo Clinic. Although effective at controlling seizures, its restrictive nature limited widespread use. The discovery of several anti-seizure medications over many decades resulted in near extinction of the diet until 1994 when the parents of Charlie Abrahams started a foundation to advocate for the KD that completely arrested his seizures. In the 30 years since the formation of The Charlie Foundation, KDs for epilepsy have experienced a surge in use and research. Multiple randomized controlled trials and prospective studies have confirmed the response rate of approximately 50% in children and adults with medication-resistant epilepsy. Those who maintain KDs for two to three years may receive long-lasting benefits beyond their tenure on the diet. Charlie Abrahams who maintained the diet for five years has been off the diet and has since been seizure-free.

New applications of KDTs for metabolic, mitochondrial, and neurologic disorders have emerged in recent years. Use of KDTs for glioblastoma brain cancer has shown benefit in inhibiting cancer growth and improving tumor response to traditional cancer therapies. As science continues to emerge for epilepsy and other applications, clinical and research opportunities for dietetic practitioners will also grow, making the knowledge of ketogenic diet therapies imperative for RDs who want to implement this treatment in their patient population. 

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, nutrition professionals will better be able to:

  1. Apply the 2018 International Ketogenic Diet Study Group criteria to identify appropriate candidates with epilepsy for ketogenic diet therapies (KDTs).
  2. Assess conditions for which KDTs are contraindicated.
  3. Apply KDTs for the treatment of epilepsy.
  4. Implement the ratio system of the classic ketogenic diet to determine its macronutrient composition.
  5. Formulate a KDT plan including initiation, monitoring, and follow-up care.

Additional Information

CDR Activity Type: 
102
CPE Level: 
2
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 6.00 CDR
Course opens: 
05/15/2024
Course expires: 
05/14/2027
Cost:
$75.95
Rating: 
0

Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN, is a freelance medical writer and member of the American Medical Writers Association. He has contributed several chapters to the 6th edition of Disease Prevention and Treatment, a medical reference book of evidence-based protocols to combat the diseases of aging. Among the protocols he authored, “Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity” is particularly relevant to this CPE program.

Robert received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Most of his experience as a practicing registered dietitian was in the field of integrative/functional medicine with a focus on food allergy. Robert provided medical nutrition therapy at an integrative allergy-immunology clinic in Chicago, where he specialized in conducting double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges – the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis.

Robert’s diverse background also includes extensive experience in fitness/wellness as a gym owner, university nutrition instructor, health educator in the nutraceuticals industry, and oncology. His other writing interests include intermittent fasting, nutritional ketosis, and high-intensity interval training.

Disclosures:

Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN, faculty for this activity, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

The planners for this educational activity have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

An “ineligible company” includes any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

In support of improving patient care, Great Valley Publishing Company (publisher of Wolf Rinke Associates) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

This activity will also award credit for dietetics (CDR CPEU).

RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity Log. Sphere and Competency selection is at the learner’s discretion.

Available Credit

  • 6.00 CDR

Price

Cost:
$75.95
Please login or create an account to take this course.