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. 2002 Jul;78(921):393–398. doi: 10.1136/pmj.78.921.393

Neurological complications of coeliac disease

T Pengiran 1, A Wills 1, G Holmes 1
PMCID: PMC1742420  PMID: 12151653

Abstract

A variety of neurological disorders have been reported in association with coeliac disease including epilepsy, ataxia, neuropathy, and myelopathy. The nature of this association is unclear and whether a specific neurological complication occurs in coeliac disease remains unproved. Malabsorption may lead to vitamin and trace element deficiencies. Therefore, patients who develop neurological dysfunction should be carefully screened for these. However, malabsorption does not satisfactorily explain the pathophysiology and clinical course of many of the associated neurological disorders. Other mechanisms proposed include altered autoimmunity, heredity, and gluten toxicity. This review attempts to summarise the literature and suggests directions for future research.

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Selected References

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