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Peripheral neuropathy

artistsl

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artistsl Enthusiast
artistsl
Posted

What is peripheral neuropathy? I have had total numbness at the tips of my toes for maybe twelve years now. It's accompanied with other strange symptoms such as symmetrical rash, joint pain, fatigue and brain fog. The doctor told me that I probably stubbed my toes or injured them by wearing uncomfortable shoes. I'm wondering if it could be peripheral neuropathy caused by gluten. It doesn't hurt. I just have no feeling at the very tip of my toes. Now that I know that my other symptoms are tied to gluten I'm wondering whether my toes are really "injured" like the doc says or if it's caused by my gluten intolerance and if so, is there a chance it will go away over time?

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Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted
4 hours ago, artistsl said:

What is peripheral neuropathy? I have had total numbness at the tips of my toes for maybe twelve years now. It's accompanied with other strange symptoms such as symmetrical rash, joint pain, fatigue and brain fog. The doctor told me that I probably stubbed my toes or injured them by wearing uncomfortable shoes. I'm wondering if it could be peripheral neuropathy caused by gluten. It doesn't hurt. I just have no feeling at the very tip of my toes. Now that I know that my other symptoms are tied to gluten I'm wondering whether my toes are really "injured" like the doc says or if it's caused by my gluten intolerance and if so, is there a chance it will go away over time?

Yeah sounds like my gluten ataxia induced peripheral neuropathy, It can be just another issues with celiac disease, in my case my immune system also attacks my nervous system, and brain with gluten exposure, not just the gut. Goes away over time, yes but it takes a long time, and in my experience sticks around the most after a gluten exposure and is MUCH more sensitive to gluten then my gut. ANY kind of even residue exposure and I find myself able to pick stuff out of the oven no feeling of burning, dropping stuff all the time, seems even inhaled does this,  I notice it can take over a week before I start getting heat sensitivity back to some degree in my hands. NOW I have not had any type of gluten exposure it seems in a few months, and after over 4 years of gluten free diet I am finding some feelings I used to not have in my hands and feet coming back. Not much but I can actually feel a burn on the back of my hand from the over rack I got a few days ago dull but it is there which is odd. Starting to notice some other areas of my body more sensitive to touch, then they used to be.

plumbago Experienced
plumbago
Posted
8 hours ago, artistsl said:

What is peripheral neuropathy? I have had total numbness at the tips of my toes for maybe twelve years now. It's accompanied with other strange symptoms such as symmetrical rash, joint pain, fatigue and brain fog. The doctor told me that I probably stubbed my toes or injured them by wearing uncomfortable shoes. I'm wondering if it could be peripheral neuropathy caused by gluten. It doesn't hurt. I just have no feeling at the very tip of my toes. Now that I know that my other symptoms are tied to gluten I'm wondering whether my toes are really "injured" like the doc says or if it's caused by my gluten intolerance and if so, is there a chance it will go away over time?

Hi,

I belong to a diabetes forum (I don’t have diabetes, I just like to learn) and came across this recent post on the four kinds of neuropathy. The poster says you can get a nerve conduction test, EMG.

Open Original Shared Link

Yes, I’ve heard gluten can damage nerves, but I don’t know much else about it. It may be other things instead or as well. I would keep plugging away!

Plumbago

 

ETA:

Here is what Medscape has to say:

“Neuropathies occur in 2 forms: an isolated deficiency (usually of a B vitamin) or a complex deficiency resulting from several concurrent metabolic disorders (usually including malabsorption).

“Gluten-sensitivity neuropathy (celiac disease)

“Antibodies to gluten in wheat, barley, and oats in susceptible individuals also attack Purkinje cells and other neurons, leading to cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, neuropathy, and neurologic symptoms. Adhering to a strict gluten-free diet may stabilize neurologic symptoms.”

Nutritional Neuropathy (medscape)
Open Original Shared Link

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

Open Original Shared Link

Nutritional neuropathies are discussed in this paper.  I find it amusing Celiac Disease was not specifically mentioned as a cause of nutritional deficiencies.  Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition.  Deficiencies in several B vitamins and some minerals can cause neuropathy, sometimes rather quickly.  

I've had peripheral neuropathy that has resolved with vitamin supplementation.  I hope this article can help you, too.

 

artistsl Enthusiast
artistsl
Posted
  • Author

Thanks guys. I used to get really bad spells of dizziness which has seemed to have gone away since going gluten free. I never would have connected the two issues together. I used to work in a bakery for Kellogg which was when I ended up going to the hospital for what they diagnosed as vertigo. But I'm kind of starting to think that my dizziness could have been from breathing in the flour from the silos. It got to a point where it was difficult for me to stand up. But you mention nutritional neuropathy and I do seem to feel really great when I take vitamin B12. Sounds like I need to find a new doctor who would be willing to run some tests.

artistsl Enthusiast
artistsl
Posted
  • Author

Also, does anyone know whether there is a specific gene associated with dermatitis herpetiformis and/or gluten ataxia or is it the same genes expressed in those who suffer from intestinal issues?

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

Just recently found this article about a woman suffering from neuropathy which was caused by copper deficiency caused by Celiac Disease.

Open Original Shared Link

Copper deficiency myeloneuropathy due to occult celiac disease.

"...the authors suggest that some cases of ataxia associated with celiac disease are likely due to copper deficiency myeloneuropathy."

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Hellodee2 Explorer
Hellodee2
Posted

I have neuropathy. Mine is worse with cold. My hands and toes get so bad I cry. I don't know what to do to make it better but just wanted you to know you aren't alone. I hate feeling alone with this disease.

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