Ketogenic diet for myoclonus in adults?

[AndrewIrish]

Hey all,

I'm just looking for alternative ways to curb myoclonus. I'm 24 years old with JME but almost everything about myoclonus everywhere refers to it in children and not more specifically to adults... I saw somewhere that a ketogenic diet can help stop myoclonic jerks... anyone know if this is true?

 

[Nakamova]

The ketogenic diet works with children because their neurons are still growing. It's very difficult to follow, and unhealthy for adults. However, the Modified Atkins Diet has also shown success in helping to reduce or control seizures -- both in children and adults -- and is less restrictive. More info here: http://www.atkinsforseizures.com/

You might also consider taking a magnesium supplement to see if it helps. Magnesium plays a big role in muscle function and tension and has helped some folks control myoclonus. You can read a bit about it here: http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=541 Of course, what works for some may not work for others, so proceed with caution.

 

[SassySarah]

After having my Gall bladder removed I have been unsuccessful with a modified Atkins despite the help of a nutritionist. I am working on finding the right balance still. Both my neurologist and pain management dr recommended working up to 400 mg per day (one dose in the am) of CoQ10 for the myoclonus and associated discomfort from constant movement and jerking. i think it has made a major difference- lessening the movements and thus muscle spasms associated. Good luck.

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[KarenB]

Johns Hopkins has an Adult Epilepsy Diet Center where they use a modified Atkins diet. They do not use the traditional ketogenic diet with adults at this time. About half of adults that use the diet have significant reduction or elimination of seizures.


Sarah -- since you cannot tolerate fats, you may find that eliminating sugar from your diet (and significantly reducing simple carbohydrates -- such as white bread, white rice, etc.) will give you some relief. There is a definite relationship between sugar and seizures, as well as blood sugar levels and seizures.