Celiac Disease Increases Risk of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Migraine and carpal tunnel syndrome are common among celiac patients. After screening a cohort of 72 patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease, researchers also report that many experience psychiatric problems, with 35% of celiac patients reporting a history of depression, personality changes, or psychosis.

In all, 26% of patients experienced afferent ataxia. About a third of patients had stance and gait problems, and many experienced deep sensory loss and reduced ankle reflexes. The study is published in Movement Disorders.

About a third of celiac patients (28%) reported a history of migraine. In many cases, there was a decrease in the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks after the introduction of a gluten-free diet. About 20% of patients experienced carpal tunnel syndrome. In celiac disease, the mechanisms leading to neurological disease are not yet understood. Deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin E, and biopterin have been implicated in the pathogenesis.