10. Celiac Disease: The Hidden Enemy
Our journey of ataxia causes concludes with an unexpected player – celiac disease. Many people know celiac disease as an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, leading to damage in the small intestine.
However, the impact of this disease isn’t confined to the digestive system alone. In some cases, it extends its reach to the nervous system, causing gluten ataxia, a rare neurological condition.
Gluten ataxia is one of the less recognized and less common manifestations of celiac disease. It’s estimated to affect around 15% of people with celiac disease and manifests as problems with balance, coordination, and motor control due to damage to the cerebellum.
When gluten is ingested by people with celiac disease, an immune response is triggered, causing inflammation and damage to various body tissues. In the case of gluten ataxia, this immune response is directed towards a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements.
Adopting a strict gluten-free diet is currently the most effective treatment for gluten ataxia. Eliminating gluten from the diet can help to control the autoimmune response, reduce inflammation, and limit further damage to the cerebellum.
Living with celiac disease and managing gluten ataxia requires careful dietary management, constant vigilance, and regular follow-up with healthcare professionals. It involves a steep learning curve about gluten-containing foods and alternatives, as well as potential sources of cross-contamination.
Research is ongoing to deepen the understanding of gluten ataxia and its link to celiac disease. There is hope that this will lead to improved screening, early diagnosis, better management strategies, and enhanced quality of life for those affected by this condition. (10)
