CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM OF EPILEPTIC CHILDREN RECEIVING A KETOGENIC DIET

In 1921, Geyelin¹ reported the use of fasting as a therapeutic measure in the management of epilepsy, after a patient successfully treated in this manner by an osteopathic physician came under his observation. In some cases, he obtained complete relief over long periods of time; in others, marked improvement, and in a few, no benefit. Other investigators² have corroborated these observations. In the same year, at the suggestion of Wilder,³ the pediatric division of the Mayo Clinic began the use of ketogenic diets in an attempt to supplement or replace the fasting regimen. As with fasting, results varied, but relief or improvement was noted in a sufficient number of cases to warrant continuance of this type of treatment. Several recent reports⁴ have confirmed the value of ketogenic diets in the control of epileptiform convulsions and have indicated that such diets can be continued over long periods