Dietary treatment of epilepsy: rebirth of an ancient treatment.

Since its introduction in 1921, the ketogenic diet has been in continuous use for children with difficult-to-control epilepsy. Modifications that help improve tolerability include the medium chain triglyceride diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycemic index treatment. Side effects include acidosis, increased cholesterol, kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux, and growth disturbance, although these are manageable.