Making the Decision

Most experts say the diet is worth trying when two or more medications have failed to control seizures, or when medications cause side effects that are having a harmful effect on a child's life.

It also helps to have a child who is willing to try foods that he might otherwise not be enthusiastic about, and is tolerant and not fussy about eating.

The diet seems to work for more than one kind of seizure, and for children who have a lot of seizures or few seizures.

But most doctors say it shouldn't be used instead of medications if the drugs are working and the child is not having bad side effects.

Parents generally decide to try the diet because they hope it will give their child a better chance for a normal life.

However, the diet can be a barrier to some normal life experiences for children, especially those that revolve around food and holidays. And, like other treatments for epilepsy, it also can have side effects that affect some children more than others. So, as with any kind of treatment, there's a lot to think about before deciding to try the diet.

Going over all the possibilities with your doctor is the best way to make the decision. It may also be helpful to talk with other parents whose children have been on the diet.