Epilepsy Management in Delhi: Diet Therapy & Deep Brain Stimulation

Nearly 50 million people are living with the condition globally, with India listed as a leading contributor, accounting for more than 10 million cases. Although 70 per cent of people respond well to treatment and can lead a seizure-free life, the lack of awareness and various myths associated with epilepsy prevent people from coming forward and seeking the right care. In this blog, we have elaborated on how diet and DBS can help to manage epilepsy, with the help of the experts from the Best Epilepsy Surgery Hospital in Delhi.

Managing epilepsy with diet:

While some of you may find it surprising, it is true. There are certain diets that can actually work wonders for patients with epilepsy. These include:

• Ketogenic Diet

You must have heard the term Keto diet before. It gained immense popularity in the 1920s and 30s as a therapeutic intervention for managing epilepsy. Earlier patients were recommended to go for fasting, which although proved to be helpful, was quite difficult, especially for kids. The ketogenic diet, developed in 1924, was an alternative to this. The diet is high in healthy fats and low in carbs, with moderate amounts of proteins. As the carb intake decreases, our body starts using fats as the main source of energy. This promotes the production of ketones, which are believed to be one of the reasons for improved seizure management.

The ketogenic diet is predominantly recommended for kids who have drug-resistant seizures, i.e. their seizures are not responding to medications, however, it may also work for some adults. When our body is in a ketosis state, it produces somewhat the same results as those of fasting. Sugar intake is strictly prohibited in this case, as even a small amount of it can hinder the ketosis process. Following a ketogenic diet requires proper guidance, commitment and discipline. To know if it is an option for you, you can consult the experts specializing in the Best epilepsy treatment in Delhi.

• Modified Atkins Diet 

MAD or Modified Atkins Diet is an alternative to the classic Ketogenic diet and is generally recommended for people who find the latter challenging. Just like the keto diet, it also focuses on high fat intake, moderate protein intake and reduced carb intake, however, there are not as many restrictions when it comes to carbohydrate intake. Also, the Modified Atkins Diet allows people to take more protein, making it quite appealing to some. Unlike the classic ketogenic diet, here one doesn’t need to trace the exact ratio of macros and just make sure that their carb intake is less.

• Low Glycemic Index Diet

The glycemic index of any food item measures how quickly it can make your blood sugar levels spike up. This is because such foods get digested at a significantly faster pace. Hence you need to take foods that have a low glycemic index, i.e. which take more time to get digested and release glucose at a slower rate, such as foods low in starch, legumes and whole grains. Some studies have shown that a low glycemic index diet can benefit people with intractable epilepsy. Although more studies are required to understand the deeper connection, top epilepsy surgery doctors in Delhi do recommend it as an alternative to the standard ketogenic diet.

Deep Brain Stimulation For Epilepsy

Deep brain stimulation is one of the most advanced and innovative interventions in neurology that has revolutionized the treatment and management of complex brain disorders. This involves the surgical implantation of electrodes in certain areas of the brain, to deliver electrical impulses for controlled stimulation. Deep brain stimulation is generally reserved as an option for patients with drug-resistant seizures and has been found to be quite effective & safe. It is highly recommended by the leading epilepsy specialist in Delhi.

It is, however, important to understand that DBS is not an option for every patient and the treatment differs depending on the specific needs of the patients. To know which treatment will work best for you, consult the best epilepsy doctors in Delhi at IBS Hospital. 

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | July 25, 2023 | 9 Min Read