What Are the Treatments for Celiac-Related Neuropathy?

Celiac disease is a condition characterized by an autoimmune reaction to foods that contain the protein gluten. In some cases, the nutrient absorption difficulties caused by the disorder trigger a form of nerve damage, or neuropathy.

Facts

• According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, individuals with celiac disease may experience damage to the peripheral nervous system, which includes all nerves not contained in the spinal cord or brain. This type of damage is called peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of celiac-related peripheral neuropathy include tingling, numbness, pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, burning and lack of body coordination.

Treatment

• The main form of treatment for celiac-related neuropathy is control of the primary disease. To control celiac disease, patients must avoid all foods that contain gluten.

Symptom Relief

• Additional relief from symptoms of celiac-related neuropathy may be gained from pain medications, meditation, hypnosis or acupuncture.

Gluten-Containing Foods

• Gluten-containing foods include grains such as barley, wheat, rye, bulgur, spelt, triticale, matzo meal, kasha and Khorasan wheat Other grains that are naturally gluten-free---including quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth---are often contaminated by gluten during commercial processing.

Considerations

• Celiac disease cannot be cured, and even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms in a celiac patient.