Can Celiac cause Neurological Symptoms?

[cz1970]

Good afternoon Dr,

I have alot of symptoms suggestive of MS Eg ON. unilateral parasthesia to R. Arm, R. leg, Llermettes, hyper reflexes, vocal tremor etc.  I recently had a large myoclonic event while at dinner and threw my large glass of lemonaid across the table. COMPLETELY EMBARRASSING!  The ENT suggested trying a gluten free diet to see if it's Celiac.  Can celiac cause Unilateral symptoms, Utohfs phenomenon, Heat intollerance, parasthesia's etc?  I can't find any literature on it.  I'm a 37 yr white female in good  health other that the above. MRI's and LP were negative in Jan.  Symptoms started in Sept 07.

Thanks for you advice!
cz

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Celiac disease is considered to be strongly associated with MS. It is an autoimmune disease. Generally the symptoms are more than what you have. And there is no reason for them to be unilateral. And you are correct; there is hardly any report of this topic. The anti EMA and anti TTG antibodies are quite specific for the disease. These may be tested, in the case there is a doubt. Endoscopic biopsy of the mucosa will also help rule out or diagnose celiac disease.

Moreover, the Uhthoff's phenomenon is considered characteristic of Multiple sclerosis due to demyelination.

MIR can be normal with MS. MRI is not a diagnostic tool anyways It just aids in the diagnosis. The basis of diagnosis of MS is exclusion of other causes.

I hope you find your answers soon. Let me know if you need any more information.

Regards

[cz1970]

Thank you for taking so much time.  If I have no symptoms of Celiac (GI sx's) Is it worth getting tested for it?  My neurologist will only base a DX of MS on a positive MRI only.  We live in a small town and the MS specialist in the next town wont see me with out the referral from my neuro.  My sons' Epileptologist says he's sure its MS but he can't help either.  The ENT I recently saw said my vocal tremors are neurological as well.So i'm caught between a rock and a hard place.  I just dont want to be foolish if there is something I can do to prevent further damage.  But no one here is listening.... Do you have any advice? Would you pursue a celiac blood test?  All my symptoms are unilateral so I'm thinking "dont bother."  

Thank you :-)
cz

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Your situation is tough. If you do not have any symptoms, do not go for celiac disease assessment. There is no need to check for it.

MS is a demyelinating disease. And if the demyelination is not checked in time, it progresses. As I mentioned earlier, MRI is not diagnostic. If there is a suspicion of MS, you should be on medication. Can you somehow insist of medication? With prompt treatment, the quality of life in MS can be as good as that in normal non-MS population.

Regards

[cz1970]

I have blatently asked about the ABC drugs (suggested by Epileptologist) to prevent the development and or tx of MS. The neuro told me "Oh,you dont want to do that. Those drugs have side effects."   I know for sure I wont get any treatment here until the MRI is positive. I understand that may be years or never and that it isn't diagnostic criteria. As far as diagnostic criteria (McDonald) he said I qualified with all my subjective/objective findings.... Go figure!

Thank you very much for all your help. I really appreaciate it. I'll save the money on the CD test and keep trying to find a way to get some help.

cz