For many years, an old wives’ tale “cure” for epilepsy has circulated consisting of a high-fat, low-carb dietary plan. This diet is said to lower episodes of seizures or even prevent them in the first place. Now, however, the researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School say science backs up this dietary “miracle cure” for epilepsy.

While this research has been published in the May 24th issue of the journal Neuron, it suggests that this diet actually does encourage resistance to seizures because of a brain protein that changes the brain’s cellular metabolism. Epilepsy is brought on by a significant amount of electronic activity that causes the body to convulse. When the epileptic discontinues the use of sugar in their diet, it forces the brain to use the fat as a means of running. This causes ketone bodies. This effect has proven to reduce epilepsy for as long as 80 years, and Nika Danial, HMS assistant professor of cell biology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Gary Yellen, professor of neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, are now sure that they completely understand how this happens.

Of this diet, Yellen, whose wife long has championed the diet, has said, “the connection between metabolism and epilepsy has been such a puzzle … I’ve met a lot of kids whose lives are completely changed by this diet … It’s amazingly effective, and it works for many kids for whom drugs don’t work.”

If this study is correct, the diet can take away all need for patients to use prescription medications like Topamax. Before this study, prescription medications like Topamax have been used to help prevent seizures. But Topamax is known to cause various adverse side effects which include birth defects in babies whose mothers take the drugs while pregnant. Topamax causes birth defects that include PPHN, oral clefts, cleft palate, spina bifida and neural defects.

If your child was born with birth defects and you have taken Topamax, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injuries.