Summary
Gastrointestinal diseases like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease can cause a wide range of neurological problems, from peripheral neuropathy to central nervous system issues. Neurologists should consider underlying GI conditions when evaluating patients with unexplained neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Clinical Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Neurologic dysfunction can manifest secondary to gastrointestinal (GI) disease.
- This review examines neurological features associated with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and Whipple disease.
Observation:
- Gluten-related disorders, including celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, are increasingly recognized for their neurological associations.
- Associations between Crohn disease and neurological disorders are under investigation.
- Whipple disease, though rare, may be more common due to asymptomatic carriers, necessitating clinical awareness.
Findings:
- A broad spectrum of neurological dysfunctions, encompassing peripheral (neuropathy, myopathy, myelopathy) and central (cerebrovascular events, epilepsy, encephalopathy, cerebellar dysfunction) processes, have been linked to GI diseases.
- Gluten sensitivity presents a complex and evolving clinical picture of neurological dysfunction.
Implications:
- Neurologists must consider underlying GI pathology in patients presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Recognition of these connections can lead to improved diagnosis and management of both GI and neurological conditions.
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