Study Points to Connection Between Epilepsy and Gluten-Related Disorders
Celiac disease and gluten-sensitive patients have a greater chance of being diagnosed with epilepsy and vice versa, there was an increased chance of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity among patients with epilepsy.
- Celiac Disease Foundation 1
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)
- 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.
SOURCE STUDY: https://celiac.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/epilepsy-and-GS-2.pdf
