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My name is Yuri Zilberter and I am the principal investigator of this study. But not only that — I also have a personal story that links me to the project.
Twenty years ago, as a result of brain surgery to remove a non-malignant tumor, I have developed traumatic epilepsy. Since then I have been taking anti-epileptic drugs which were only partially effective and required constant increases in dosage which in turn increased unwanted side-effects. I have had major seizures almost monthly, and absence seizures weekly.
This went on, gradually worsening, until we received the first results from our study on neuroprotective properties of hydroxybutyrate and soon thereafter, pyruvate. The results with hydroxybutyrate did not set off any ideas about personal application, although it was shown to be an effective neuroprotectant with oral dosages – problem was that the required doses were quite high and the subsequent price was too much. Pyruvate was another matter altogether – doses used in human trials were reasonable and the price was even more so – coming out to about $20 per month. So, after another seizure that resulted in hospitalization and six stitches on a head wound, the family decided that the time was ripe to try pyruvate on myself.
I felt the effect after only 15 minutes, although judging from published pharmcological studies I expected it no earlier than in a few weeks’ time. My brain fog, usual for mornings, was gone. My wife immediately noted: “your eyes cleared up!” This was four and a half years ago. From that morning on, I had zero large seizures. When very tired, I do get light absence episodes, but only once in a few months.
Gradually I reduced by four times my Keppra dosage (one that I previously had to constantly increase). Gone were the unpleasant side effects – weakness, depression, etc. Currently my personal experiment entered a new phase. Four months ago and under my doctor’s supervision, I have stopped taking pyruvate without increasing Keppra dosage. Prior to starting this experiment on myself, I had my EEG taken – and it showed, for the first time in eighteen years, a completely normal brain activity. A few days ago, a new EEG scan, for the first time after stopping pyruvate intake, showed slight epileptiform activity in the region of the tumor extraction.
In conclusion, pyruvate freed me from major seizures, normalized my previously abnormal EEG and allowed me to lower my Keppra dosage and forget its side-effects. Stopping (temporarily) my pyruvate supplementation slowly, in the course of three months, aggravated my brain activity patterns. We will keep watching. Keep an eye out for further developments!
4 months without pyruvate
I started getting seizures again. During my check up with my neurologist on next day, the EEG was very bad and in the process of test stimulation with sound and light, I had partial seizures. It was decided to start taking pyruvate again. Today, Dec. 11, 10th day back on pyruvate. No seizures.
Update: October, 2014.
A month ago, after more than 20 years on antiepileptic medication, I cancelled my last prescribed drug, Keppra. No seizures.
Update: May 2015.
No seizures, occasional absence episodes. Added methylene blue to my pyruvate supplementation.
Please keep in mind that as a supplement, pyruvate is promoted for fat loss, which is true – and for increasing athletic performance, which does not seem to be the case. The good news about pyruvate as a potent neuroprotector is yet to reach the supplement industry. Still, you can find it in any place where supplements are sold.
Update December 2015
Stopped taking methylene blue, only Pyruvate. No seizure returned.
Update March 2017
No Keppra, no seizures.