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