Absence Epilepsy

The ketogenic diet is a medical therapy for epilepsy that is used nearly predominantly for refractory epilepsy (after 2-3 drugs have been tried and failed). However, there is both published evidence for first-line use (infantile spasms, Glut1 deficiency syndrome) and also anecdotal experience (families choosing to change the child's (or the family' own) diet rather than use anticonvulsant medications). Childhood absence epilepsy (refractory) has been published as being responsive to ketogenic diet therapy by the investigators' group previously. This is a small, prospective, 3 month trial to assess if using a modified Atkins diet is a feasible and effective option for new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The investigators will compare to a group of children in which the parents have declined and chose to start anticonvulsant medications.

The study is a pilot, open-label, study to test whether BMB-101 is safe and effective in reducing the frequency of seizures in subjects with Absence Epilepsy including Epilepsy with Eyelid Myoclonia (also called Jeavons Syndrome) as well as Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies such as Dravet and Lennox Gastaut. The study will last up to 6 months. There will be a 1 month screening period, then up to 3 months on open-label BMB-101 including titration and tapering/washout periods, and then a 1 month follow-up period. There will be 6 clinic visits.