Epilepsy
There have been studies that have shown improvement or recovery from epileptic seizures as a result of ruling out food sensitivities. These were usually most marked in individuals who had additional symptoms such as migraines and digestive problems.
A study of children by Egger et al identified forty two different foods that caused seizures and symptoms in forty five children, who had epilepsy with recurrent headaches, abdominal symptoms, or hyperkinetic behaviour. Thirty six of these recovered or improved when their problem foods were removed from their diets (1).
Pelliccia et al, 1999, explored the link between cow's milk allergy and epilepsy. Three children with cryptogenetic partial epilepsy and behavioural disorders such as hyperactivity and sleeping difficulties were placed on a milk-free diet. An improvement was observed in the children's behaviour and the electroencephalographic anomalies disappeared.
Double blind oral provocation tests did not present an immediate reaction. Reactions occurred a few days after the test but, once placed on the diet again, they disappeared. They concluded that it was feasible that food intolerance could lead to the onset of convulsive crisis (3).
Kinsman et al tried the ketogenic diet (high fat/low carb) with 58 epileptic children who required multiple medications. They found that seizure control improved in 67%, medication could be reduced in 64%, also greater dexterity and improved behaviour was noted in 36% and 23% respectively (2).
You can read more about food intolerance here or in the book the Food Intolerance Handbook.
(1) Egger J, Stolla A, McEwen LM, et al. Controlled trial of hyposensitisation in children with food-induced hyperkinetic syndrome. Lancet 1992;339:1150-1153.
(2) Kinsman SL, Vining EPG, Quaskey SA, Mellitis D, Freeman JM. Efficacy of the ketogenic diet for intractable seizure disorders: review of 58 cases. Epilepsia 1992;33:1132-36.
(3) Pelliccia A, Lucarelli S, Frediani T, D'Ambrini G, Cerminara C, Barbato M, Vagnucci B, Cardi E. Partial cryptogenetic epilepsy and food allergy/intolerance. A causal or a chance relationship? Reflections on three clinical cases. Minerva Pediatr 1999;51(5):153-7.
(2) Kinsman SL, Vining EPG, Quaskey SA, Mellitis D, Freeman JM. Efficacy of the ketogenic diet for intractable seizure disorders: review of 58 cases. Epilepsia 1992;33:1132-36.
(3) Pelliccia A, Lucarelli S, Frediani T, D'Ambrini G, Cerminara C, Barbato M, Vagnucci B, Cardi E. Partial cryptogenetic epilepsy and food allergy/intolerance. A causal or a chance relationship? Reflections on three clinical cases. Minerva Pediatr 1999;51(5):153-7.