Neurological Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten---the protein component of certain grains like wheat, rye and barley. The classic symptoms of celiac disease involve the intestinal tract and include diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Celiac can affect other parts of the body as well, including the brain and nervous system, causing neurological symptoms.

Features

• Celiac causes an autoimmune reaction---your body reacts to gluten as an invader but then mistakes its own tissues for gluten and damages itself. Chronic damage to the intestine impairs absorption of nutrients, leading to deficiencies throughout the body. In the nervous system, this means that your brain and nerves do not receive the essential vitamins and minerals they need for proper functioning. Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin B12 and folic acid can cause numbness and loss of sensation in the extremities. If not treated, this nerve damage can become permanent. Minerals like zinc and calcium, as well as B-vitamins like thiamin, are also important for nervous system function.

Identification

• Neurological symptoms of celiac disease can be similar to those of other disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the arms, legs, hands or feet, dizziness, headaches or loss of sensation. You may also experience mental symptoms like irritability, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety or more severe symptoms such as seizures. Neurological symptoms may be the only evidence that you have celiac. You may not experience diarrhea or other digestive symptoms at all.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no medication to treat or cure celiac. You must avoid gluten. Avoid all forms of wheat, rye, barley or other gluten-containing grains. Oats are usually contaminated with wheat so avoid oats as well. Watch out for ingredients in processed foods that contain gluten, including soy sauce and malt.

  Remember that a gluten-free diet is simply a basic, healthy diet without gluten. Eat a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables and quality protein sources like cold-water fish. Substitute grains for gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa or millet.

Significance

• Celiac is one of the most misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed conditions around the world. Because many of its symptoms are similar to those associated with other conditions, it is known by many as "the great imitator." In the United States, an average of 10 years will pass before someone who shows symptoms associated with celiac will be diagnosed, and it is estimated that 95 percent of people with celiac have not yet been diagnosed. During this time, damage from gluten continues to occur.

Considerations

• Following a gluten-free diet is very difficult at first, especially if you are used to eating processed foods or dining out frequently. Living gluten-free can also be difficult when others around you don't have celiac and don't understand your new diet restrictions. Consider joining a local celiac support group or online chat room to ask questions or learn which local restaurants are celiac-friendly. Contact the Celiac Disease Foundation to find support groups in your area.