The Long-Term Treatment of Drug-Resistant Migraine with the Modified Atkins Ketogenic Diet: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
2024

Long-Term Treatment of Drug-Resistant Migraine with the Modified Atkins Ketogenic Diet

Sample size: 52 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Francini-Pesenti Francesco, Favaretto Silvia, D’Angelo Matteo, Cacciapuoti Martina, Calò Lorenzo

Primary Institution: Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova

Hypothesis

The study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the modified Atkins ketogenic diet (MAD) in drug-resistant migraine patients.

Conclusion

The modified Atkins ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective and safe for the long-term treatment of drug-resistant migraine.

Supporting Evidence

  • After 6 months, migraine frequency, length, and intensity significantly decreased.
  • Body mass index and several metabolic markers were significantly reduced after 6 and 12 months.
  • 41% of patients reported medication overuse headache at the start, which dropped to none after 6 months.

Takeaway

This study found that a special diet can help people with migraines who don't respond to regular medicines.

Methodology

A single-center, retrospective, non-randomized study evaluating the modified Atkins ketogenic diet in drug-resistant migraine patients over 12 months.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and high dropout rate.

Limitations

The study's uncontrolled retrospective design and small sample size limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

52 patients, predominantly female (87%), with a mean age of 44.3 years; 54% had chronic migraine.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/nu16244324

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication