Affiliations: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gulhane Military
Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey | Department of Pediatrics, Gulhane Military Medical
Academy, Ankara, Turkey
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Halil Yaman, Department of Medical
Biochemistry, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, 06018, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
Tel.: +90 312 3043319; Fax: +90 312 3043300; E-mail: hyaman@gata.edu.tr
Abstract: In this paper, we report a case of a 5-year-old girl whose
intractable seizures ceased after introduction of a lactose free diet. Because
of epileptic seizures, antepileptic agents and vagal nerve stimulation
treatment were applied to the patient, who had mental and motor retardation,
over a period of 4 years. Despite treatments, seizures were refractory. An
electroencephalogram showed a continuous pattern of generalized discharges
briefly attenuated by short periods of suppression. A lactose tolerance test
was performed and lactose intolerance was diagnosed. A lactose-free diet was
given and after this diet was applied, no further seizures were seen. Galactose
deficiency due to lactose intolerance might have been the cause of motor and
mental retardation in this patient. We speculate that lactose intolerance
should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intractable seizures.
Early diagnosis of lactose intolerance may prevent motor and mental
retardation.
