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October 1934

Inanition und Epilepsie.

Arch NeurPsych. 1934;32(4):912. doi:10.1001/archneurpsyc.1934.02250100234020

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Abstract

This study, based on starvation treatment of one hundred and fifty-five epileptic patients, is a lengthy and unusually detailed investigation into the relationship between starvation therapy and epileptic seizures of all types. From four to five days of fasting brings about cessation of the seizures with great constancy. The duration of the disease has no bearing on the results of fasting; all the epileptic manifestations are equally influenced, and both "organic" and "cryptogenic" epilepsy are influenced. The cases most suitable for starvation therapy are those in which the seizures are very frequent. A great deal of laboratory work was done on these patients, but no new facts were brought out.

The author suggests that the cessation of seizures during starvation is secondary to the dehydration accompanying starvation. He does not definitely commit himself in regard to either etiology or specific therapy, but states that the starvationdehydration-hydrogen ion concept forms an

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