Gluten Ataxia

[Dawn R.]

There doesn't seem to be much information about the effects of Gluten Ataxia in this forum.  I was diagnosed with Celiacs Disease but never had typical gluten symptoms.  My symptoms were all ataxic. 

[Scott Adams]

Welcome to the forum. A search for "ataxia" in our forum shows 718 results:
https://www.celiac.com/search/?q=Ataxia&quick=1&type=forums_topic

We also have an article category dedicated to summarizing research on this topic:
https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/ataxia-nerve-disease-neuropathy-brain-damage-and-celiac-disease/

Do you have a specific question about it?

[knitty kitty]

Hi, @Dawn R.,

I get gluten ataxia.  It's very disconcerting.  

Are you still experiencing gluten ataxia symptoms eating a gluten free diet?  

[Dawn R.]

Thank you for responding.  Yes I am.  Infact, sometimes I think it's getting worse. How do you deal with it? I do the best I can but it has taken away my independence.

 

[Scott Adams]

The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs.

Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.