The ketogenic diet for medically and surgically refractory status epilepticus in the neurocritical care unit

BACKGROUND: Refractory status epilepticus carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality despite, and at times as a result of, aggressive pharmacologic interventions. Dietary therapies have been used for almost a century in children for controlling medically refractory seizures and status epilepticus and recent studies suggest efficacy and safety in adults as well. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: We describe a case of medically and surgically refractory status epilepticus that was controlled after initiation of the ketogenic diet and maintenance with the modified Atkins diet in an adult in the neurocritical care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary therapy should be considered as a treatment option in adult patients with refractory status epilepticus.