[Neurological disorders associated with gluten sensitivity]

Rev Neurol. 2011 Sep 1;53(5):287-300.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Gluten sensitivity is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals on ingesting gluten. It can appear at any age, then becoming a permanent condition. It is more frequent in women, as happens with other autoimmune diseases. Celiac disease is the intestinal form and the most important manifestation among a set of gluten-induced autoimmune pathologies that affect different systems. Neurological manifestations of gluten sensitivity, with or without enteropathy, are also frequent, their pathogenesis including an immunological attack on the central and peripheral nervous tissue accompanied by neurodegenerative changes. The clinical manifestations are varied, but the most common syndromes are cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. Finally, gluten sensitivity is associated to a varying degree, with other complex diseases and could influence their evolution. The early detection of cases of gluten sensitivity with neurological manifestations and subsequent treatment with the gluten-free diet could provide remarkable benefits to the patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diet therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / diet therapy
  • Celiac Disease / immunology
  • Celiac Disease / pathology
  • Diet, Gluten-Free
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Glutens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diet therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / immunology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glutens