Purpose: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a catastrophic epilepsy syndrome affecting children. There is scanty data regarding the efficacy and tolerability of the modified Atkins diet in children with LGS.

Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective review of all children with LGS treated with the modified Atkins diet at our center from May 2009 and March 2011. The diet was initiated in those children who persisted to have daily seizures despite the use of at least 3 appropriate anti-epileptic drugs.

Results: Twenty five children with LGS were started on the modified Atkins diet, restricting carbohydrate intake to ten grams/day. After 3 months, two patients were seizure free, and 10 children had ˃ 50% reduction in seizure frequency. At 6 months, 14 patients were still on the diet. Out of these, 3 were seizure free, and 10 had ˃ 50% reduction in seizure frequency. At one year, nine children were on diet and all had ˃ 50% reduction in seizure frequency. The side effects of the diet were mild and manageable.

Conclusions: The modified Atkins diet was found to be effective and well tolerated in children with LGS.