9. Beyond the Gut: Neurological Impacts of Celiac Disease
Often, celiac disease is synonymous with digestive distress. However, its tendrils can reach the brain and nervous system, leading to a spectrum of neurological symptoms. This dimension of celiac disease remains one of its most enigmatic facets.
From migraines to seizures, the range of neurological manifestations is vast. Some patients report brain fog, a feeling of cognitive sluggishness, or even mood swings. Such symptoms, distant from the gut, can confuse both patients and physicians.
The exact mechanisms remain a subject of research. Some theories suggest that antibodies produced in response to gluten might mistakenly target brain tissue. Others postulate that nutritional deficiencies, resulting from malabsorption, can affect neurological function.
Ataxia, a condition affecting coordination and balance, has been closely associated with celiac. Termed ‘gluten ataxia’, it underscores the profound brain-gut connection. Individuals might present with this neurological symptom long before any digestive discomfort becomes apparent. (9)
