Celiac disease is a disorder affecting the small intestine due to the body’s intolerance to gluten. But while this is so, the disease is also associated with certain neurological conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, optic myopathy and schizophrenia. Symptoms of Celiac Disease can occur even when the body has normal vitamin levels.

The neurological symptoms associated with celiac disease were first described in 1966 by Cooke and Smith. They were traced to the autoimmune origin of the disease. It was pointed out that the symptoms related to the neurological system may be known after a person is diagnosed with celiac disease or even before the diagnosis.

In some cases, signs of the disorder may not show although the complications affecting the brain and nervous system can already become severe. There was one previous study that found 30 of 53 patients having antigliadin antibodies and suffering from a neurological disorder of unknown origin.

Celiac disease affects the brain and the entire nervous system when the body is not receiving sufficient vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B12 and minerals such as calcium and zinc. For instance, lack of the essential vitamin B12 and folic acid leads to numbness and loss of sensation in the extremities. Permanent damage to the nerves is possible if the illness is not immediately treated.

A person who has celiac disease can suffer from various neurological symptoms that include numbness and tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hand or feet, headaches, dizziness or loss of sensation. These signs are very similar to that of multiple sclerosis. In addition, a patient can become too irritable, has difficulty concentrating, can become depressed, anxious or in worse cases, may suffer from seizures. Those with a family history of psychiatric problems are more likely to display the neurological symptoms.

A major mental disorder often associated with celiac disease, more specifically gluten intolerance, is schizophrenia. This disorder affects a person’s sensation, feeling, ability to remember, make decisions and act in the proper behavior. Some studies point to food allergy as a cause of schizophrenia. For example, Dr. F. C. Dohan in his research explained that there is evidence indicating that the cause of this mental illness is the inborn ability of the body to properly digest some food proteins notably cereal grain glutens.

Cerebellar ataxia is another condition linked to celiac disease. This neurological condition is found to originate from a person’s sensitivity to gluten or wheat protein although symptoms involving the intestines may be absent.

No cure has yet been formulated for the treatment of celiac disease. Avoidance of foods containing gluten is the most common recommendation for patients diagnosed with the disorder.
A diet free from gluten should have none of wheat, rye, barley and other grains with this component such as oats, malt and soy sauce. Grains can be substituted with rice, millet or quinoa. But as always, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and quality protein is still the best way towards preventing the disease from getting worse. Learn more about a diet for celiac disease.