Clinical and neurological abnormalities in adult celiac disease.

G Cicarelli, G Della Rocca, M Amboni, C Ciacci, G Mazzacca, A Filla, P Barone

Journal: Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology 2004;24(5):311-7

PMID: 14716525

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Abstract

We assessed the occurrence of neurological signs and symptoms in adult patients with celiac disease and evaluated the correlation between neurological features and diet. A total of 176 patients and 52 age-matched controls underwent a semistructural interview and a neurologic examination. The effect of gluten-free diet was evaluated by comparing the prevalence of signs and symptoms among patients adhering to a gluten-free diet and patients on an unrestricted diet. The occurrence of headache, dysthymia and signs of peripheral neuropathy was significantly higher in patients with celiac disease than in control subjects. Adherence to a strict gluten-free diet was associated with a significant reduction of headache, dysthymia, cramps and weakness, but did not modify the occurrence of paresthesia or hyporeflexia. Neurological signs and symptoms are associated with celiac disease and can be ameliorated by a gluten-free diet.

Address: Department of Neurological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy.

DOI: 10.1007/s10072-003-0181-4

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MeSH Terms: Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Celiac Disease, Dysthymic Disorder, Feeding Behavior, Female, Food, Formulated, Glutens, Headache, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Muscle Cramp, Nervous System, Paresthesia, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Reflex, Abnormal, Treatment Outcome