Epilepsy and Seizures

Dietary therapies

Some students with epilepsy may be on a medically prescribed ketogenic diet, which is a high fat diet sometimes used to control seizures. The ketogenic diet involves a restricted fluid, high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate diet which produces a high ketone state (ketosis). This state decreases seizure activity in some circumstances.

The inclusion of students on the ketogenic diet within the school setting requires schools to be mindful of the restrictive and potentially isolating impact this diet may have on the student, including on camps, excursions and special events and when discussing dietary guidelines or ‘healthy eating’ in the classroom.

Schools are recommended to discuss strategies to support participation with the parent or carer and student, with the advice of the student’s treating health team (such as a dietician).