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Is laser ablation or keto diet helpful for my epilepsy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old with drug-resistant epilepsy. MRI findings indicate a left frontal cortical dysplasia, and VEEG has confirmed focal seizures. I am currently on Lamotrigine and Clobazam, but continue to experience breakthrough seizures.

I would like to know if laser ablation could be a suitable treatment option in my case, and whether a ketogenic diet might offer any benefit for adult-onset epilepsy.

Please help.

Thank you for your guidance.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for sending in your question.

Since you have drug-resistant epilepsy with left frontal cortical dysplasia (Seizures originating from left frontal lobe malformation (cortical dysplasia). Are still having seizures even though you are taking Lamotrigine and Clobazam, it makes sense to look into other possibilities besides medication.

You might want to consider laser interstitial thermal treatment (LITT), which is a minimally invasive procedure that employs targeted heat to destroy tissue that causes seizures. In general, patients with well-localized cortical dysplasia do well, especially in areas that are easy to reach, like the frontal lobe. LITT usually has faster recovery times and fewer cognitive adverse effects than open surgery. However, how well it works can depend on the size and exact placement of the aberrant tissue.

A comprehensive presurgical assessment at a specialized epilepsy center incorporating high-resolution MRI, neuropsychological examination, and potentially intracranial EEG would ascertain your eligibility for this method.

The ketogenic diet is more often used for kids, but research shows that adults with focused, drug-resistant seizures can also benefit from it. Many individuals have seen fewer seizures on modified diets like the Modified Atkins diet (MAD), but it is crucial to stick to the diet for it to work.

If medications alone are not working, going to an epilepsy center that specializes in these sophisticated treatments can help you find a clear path forward.

I hope this makes sense.

I am here to help you in this process, so feel free to get in touch if you have any more questions.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Ashraf Ghani

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At March 26, 2026
Reviewed AtMarch 27, 2026

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