Neurologic Problems with celiac disease

[becca2357]

For the last 6-8 months, I've been having issues with brief spasms in my upper body. They're typically brief (2-3 seconds max), and seem almost like I'm shivering because of temperature, though they happen regardless of whether I'm indoors or outdoors, warm or cool, and I normally get them upwards of five times a day. Following them, I usually loose my train of thought for a moment, and occasionally will have considerable pain in my lower back and shoulders. Given I have celiac and am very strict with eating only gluten-free foods, plus I have a strong reaction when I do get cross-contamination, I doubt this is related to gluten, but was wondering if anyone else has had this issue or if it is potentially a symptom of another autoimmune disease/neurological condition. Thank you!

[Scott Adams]

Welcome to the forum!

It's possible that this is a symptom of another condition, but have you tried keeping a food diary and eliminating other foods, for example dairy, soy, corn, etc., to see if there is a connection? Also, do you include gluten-free oats in your diet? I ask about oats because around 10% of celiacs are also oat intolerant, even if those oats are certified gluten-free.

Also, have you mentioned these symptoms to your doctor? As you mentioned, since you have one autoimmune condition it does make it more likely that you could develop another one, but if your diet is 100% gluten-free it can help minimize the risk of this happening. 

Re-checking your diet to be sure it's 100% gluten-free would be another recommendation. Check your medications, supplements, makeup, and other products.

[MADMOM]

5 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

Welcome to the forum!

It's possible that this is a symptom of another condition, but have you tried keeping a food diary and eliminating other foods, for example dairy, soy, corn, etc., to see if there is a connection? Also, do you include gluten-free oats in your diet? I ask about oats because around 10% of celiacs are also oat intolerant, even if those oats are certified gluten-free.

Also, have you mentioned these symptoms to your doctor? As you mentioned, since you have one autoimmune condition it does make it more likely that you could develop another one, but if your diet is 100% gluten-free it can help minimize the risk of this happening. 

Re-checking your diet to be sure it's 100% gluten-free would be another recommendation. Check your medications, supplements, makeup, and other products.

i have gotten spasms like that here and there and pains in my shoulders and back - i can say that i’ve felt it when i’ve eaten something that may have gotten contaminated but i’ve also felt it other times - it usually goes away but i’d try taking some magnesium and vitamin d 

[knitty kitty]

On 1/26/2022 at 7:35 PM, becca2357 said:

For the last 6-8 months, I've been having issues with brief spasms in my upper body. They're typically brief (2-3 seconds max), and seem almost like I'm shivering because of temperature, though they happen regardless of whether I'm indoors or outdoors, warm or cool, and I normally get them upwards of five times a day. Following them, I usually loose my train of thought for a moment, and occasionally will have considerable pain in my lower back and shoulders. Given I have celiac and am very strict with eating only gluten-free foods, plus I have a strong reaction when I do get cross-contamination, I doubt this is related to gluten, but was wondering if anyone else has had this issue or if it is potentially a symptom of another autoimmune disease/neurological condition. Thank you!

Welcome to the forum! 

When do these sensations happen?  I ask because I have similar weirdness when my blood glucose level drops suddenly.  This happens sometimes when I might be sitting watching a movie for a while and abruptly get up and start moving around.  It takes a few moments while my body adjusts to the higher energy demands, during which time I can feel my blood glucose level go down as the sudden activity rapidly uses up what glucose is available.  And the shivers and chills happen, and various muscle cramps because the muscles don't have a big enough energy supply.  

I have Type Two Diabetes and Celiac.  I have to be aware of how long it's been between meals so my blood glucose doesn't drop.  Sometimes a drink of water on an empty stomach will cause my glucose to drop.  

I agree with @Scott Adams.  Keep a food journal noting when these sensations occur in relation to mealtimes and activity level.  An inexpensive glucose meter might be helpful.

Hope this helps! 

P. S. The lack of glucose to my brain will make me lose my train of thought, too.  

 

Edited January 28, 2022 by knitty kitty
Added post script

[sunyuzhe]

Could it be some kind of vitamin b deficiency？like b1 or b12？

[DistantShores]

On 1/26/2022 at 7:35 PM, becca2357 said:

For the last 6-8 months, I've been having issues with brief spasms in my upper body. They're typically brief (2-3 seconds max), and seem almost like I'm shivering because of temperature, though they happen regardless of whether I'm indoors or outdoors, warm or cool, and I normally get them upwards of five times a day. Following them, I usually loose my train of thought for a moment, and occasionally will have considerable pain in my lower back and shoulders. Given I have celiac and am very strict with eating only gluten-free foods, plus I have a strong reaction when I do get cross-contamination, I doubt this is related to gluten, but was wondering if anyone else has had this issue or if it is potentially a symptom of another autoimmune disease/neurological condition. Thank you!

Hey Becca,

It wouldn't hurt to bring it up to your doctor. I've been experiencing similar symptoms and have started trying to investigate it with my medical team. Like mentioned already, I also recommend a food diary and taking stock of what you are consuming and identifying any potential sources of cross contamination. Reflect on any changes in the last few months following these symptoms. Keep up the vitamin intake as well. 

[Kate333]

I struggle with chronic depression/anxiety issues, esp. health anxiety.  Chills and body aches are very frequent physical symptoms I have noticed, esp. when my stress level spikes, as it has since the recent celiac disease diagnosis, pandemic, and job loss.  Check out Anxietycentre.com.  It's an excellent website resource which includes articles on how mental and physical health are so closely interconnected and how stress can trigger so many "strange" physical symptoms.  It also has tons of helpful videos, suggestions for coping with "life challenges".   You could also ask your primary doc for a referral for counseling or a low-dose anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication, if needed.  

I hope you feel better soon!