European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
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Eur Arch Paediatr Dent · Sep 2008
Case ReportsCase report: scurvy in an epileptic child on a ketogenic diet with oral complications.
Epilepsy is a symptom of cerebral dysfunction, where there is a sudden and disorganised discharge of electrical activity from a group of neurones, producing symptoms that range from sensory absences to convulsive movements and unconsciousness. Fasting is recognised as reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures in difficult to control patients. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate and adequate protein diet that mimics the biochemical effects of fasting. It is deficient in some essential elements that require supplementation. ⋯ Inhaling a tooth and scurvy are both rare occurrences. Paediatric dentists should be aware of the possible implications of a ketogenic diet.