Ataxia and celiac disease. Neurological effect of gluten

If you have celiac disease, it is important to be aware not only of gastrointestinal symptoms, but also of possible neurological manifestations. One of the lesser known but important complications is He staggeredA neurological disorder that affects coordination and balance of muscle movements.

Although most people associate celiac disease with intestinal problems, it is important to understand that this condition can have a systemic effect, affecting multiple parts of the body. Among these complications, ataxia stands out due to its devastating impact on patients’ quality of life.

What is ataxia?

the He staggered It is characterized by a lack of motor coordination, leading to difficulty walking, imbalance, problems with hand movements and even difficulty speaking.

In people with celiac disease, ataxia can appear when the immune system attacks the brain and nervous system in reaction to exposure to gluten — the protein found in wheat, barley and rye, which should be avoided by people with celiac disease.

How is ataxia related to celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. However, this effect can go beyond the digestive system, affecting other parts of the body, including the brain. One of the most serious examples of these extraintestinal manifestations is gluten ataxia, which occurs in a small proportion of patients with celiac disease.

What do experts say?

According to Dr. Marcelo Valladares, neurosurgeon and researcher at the Department of Neurosurgery at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Unicamp and Albert Einstein Hospital, celiac disease is considered multi-system and can therefore affect many areas of the body, including the brain. The main neurological manifestations of the condition include headache, peripheral neuropathy, and ataxia.

According to Dr. Valladares, it was long thought that the neurological manifestations of celiac disease patients were related to vitamin loss resulting from gluten-induced damage to the small intestine. But in 1966, biopsy research of brain tissue and peripheral nerves was conducted, and inflammation was noted. He explains that this inflammation arises from the appropriate immune response, which attacks the same structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

What are the symptoms of ataxia?

Symptoms of gluten ataxia can start mildly and gradually progress until they become severely debilitating. Among the main symptoms are the following:

• Uncoordinated movements of the arms and legs
• Tremors
• Voice changes
• dizziness

Moreover, according to the neurosurgeon, another common reaction is related to celiac disease Peripheral neuropathyWhich affects the nerves in the hands and feet. “It can basically cause changes in sensitivity, such as perception of touch, temperature, vibration, and even changes in force.” According to him, there is another disease that can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which is diabetes.

How to treat ataxia in the context of celiac disease?

Treatment of ataxia in people with celiac disease is based on the strict exclusion of gluten from the diet. Adhering to a gluten-free diet can help relieve neurological symptoms and prevent disease progression. In severe cases, follow-up with neurologists and other specialists may be necessary to manage specific symptoms.

The importance of understanding your health

Although celiac disease is known for its digestive manifestations, it is essential to recognize its potential neurological complications, such as ataxia.

Understanding the relationship between gluten and the immune response that affects the nervous system can be critical for proper diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, celiac patients and their caregivers should be aware of the signs of ataxia and seek medical advice to effectively manage the condition.