Previous studies have found celiac disease to be associated with several neurological complications. In a new study, researchers reviewed the available literature to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and vice versa.
For the purposes of this study, the researchers defined “gluten sensitivity” as patients with positive celiac-specific serology (blood tests) with symptoms beyond just intestinal symptoms, but who do not have an abnormal biopsy indicating celiac disease. The researchers included 79 published articles on epilepsy and celiac disease or gluten sensitivity in this review.
The results indicate celiac disease and gluten-sensitive patients have a greater chance of being diagnosed with epilepsy (1.8 times more prevalent than in general population) and there was an increased chance of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity among patients with epilepsy (2 times more prevalent than in general population). In those with epilepsy due to celiac disease and gluten-sensitivity, the gluten-free diet was shown to be effective in managing epilepsy.
It is important that epilepsy is recognized as a symptom of gluten-related disorders, as these patients can be screened and treated effectively.
Interested in contributing your medical information to advance research toward treatments and a cure for celiac disease? Add your data to iCureCeliac® today! Launched in February 2016, iCureCeliac® is a free online portal for patients, or their caregivers, to provide critical insights into life with celiac disease. Anonymized questionnaire data, completed by iCureCeliac® participants under informed consent, are made available to researchers and governmental policy analysts to advance life-changing initiatives.
Your participation will help create better diagnostic tools and treatments for cross-contact and gluten consumption, governmental policy changes, and access to new and innovative clinical trials nationwide which may, one day, cure celiac disease.