The gastrointestinal symptoms of coeliac disease, such as diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and discomfort, are fairly well known. However, these are not the only symptoms associated with the disease.

What are the neurological symptoms of coeliac disease?

According to a study quoted by Coeliac UK, as many as 60% of people who have been recently diagnosed with coeliac disease also suffer with neurological symptoms. The most common neurological symptoms include issues with balance that can lead to a tendency to fall, severe headaches, slurred speech and numbness and tingling in the feet and hands.  These symptoms can occur on their own, without any gut related symptoms.

What causes the neurological symptoms of coeliac disease?

Neurological symptoms of coeliac disease are caused by damage to the nervous system. It is possible to have neurological symptoms even if there is no apparent damage to the gut. Without any of the more common symptoms of coeliac disease being present. As a result, it can take much longer to diagnose a gluten-related cause for these issues.

Types of gluten-related neurological problems

There are three main categories of gluten-related neurological symptoms

1. Gluten ataxia – this is caused by damage to the cerebellum.  Symptoms include balance issues, lack of coordination, and sight and speech problems. Gluten is the most common cause of Ataxia where there is no family history.
2. Gluten neuropathy – this is caused by damage to the nervous system beyond the brain.  Symptoms can range from numbness and tingling, to pain and loss of motor skills. It is common to experience both sensory changes and motor function issues with gluten neuropathy.
3. Gluten encephalopathy – this includes symptoms caused by general damage to the brain. This can result in severe headaches, as well as cognitive problems such as memory loss, muddled thinking and ‘brain fog’. 

Diagnosis of neurological symptoms of coeliac disease

The link between neurological problems and gluten is not always as obvious as other symptoms of coeliac disease, which is why the problem is often diagnosed much later.  According to Coeliac UK, patients with neurological symptoms wait almost an extra ten years to be diagnosed. Gluten may only be suggested as a cause after other, more common causes have been investigated and this may slow down diagnosis.

Unfortunately, this often means that the damage to the nervous system is permanent, although in some cases treatment can reverse the effects. The longer the condition goes undiagnosed, the less likely it is that the effects can be resolved.

The good news is that as a result of Coeliac UK research, a new antibody associated with gluten-related neurological problems has been identified.  This antibody can be tested for, which should significantly speed up diagnosis. This will mean treatment can be started sooner, and should therefore be more effective. The availability of this test is limited at present, but it is hoped that it will be offered by more NHS centres in the near future.

Treatment for neurological symptoms of coeliac disease

There is no cure for gluten-related neurological problems and the treatment is exactly the same as it is for any other form of coeliac disease: following a strict gluten-free diet. As discussed, this may not repair the damage caused. But it will prevent further damage to the nervous system and can improve symptoms. Especially, if the condition is identified early.

Whether your symptoms of coeliac disease are gastro-intestinal or neurological, Glutafin is here to help. We provide delicious gluten-free products on prescription, as well as expert advice and support from specialist dietitians, and tried and tested recipes from talented chefs. We’ll also help you to connect with the wider Glutafin family. Where you can find practical support, understanding and encouragement from people just like you.

Share this now: