What is Ataxia?

Ataxia is a symptom in many conditions that affect the nervous system. Ataxia causes clumsiness or loss of balance and coordination that is not due to muscle weakness.

Ataxia Symptoms

Ataxia symptoms may vary but can include:

• Trouble using fingers, hands, arms and/or legs
• Trouble speaking
• Trouble moving eyes
• Poor coordination and/or balance
• Tingling in extremities
• Gait problems
• Damage to the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls coordination)

Gut-Brain Connection: What is Gluten Ataxia?

Gluten ataxia is a rare immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system as a reaction to ingestion of gluten. It can be related to celiac disease as well as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Those with gluten ataxia often don’t always have the same digestive issues as those found with celiac disease. A strict gluten-free diet improves symptoms for those with gluten ataxia. Early diagnosis and treatment through the gluten-free diet can help stop progression and further cerebellum damage.

Learn More:

• Celiac Disease and Ataxia
  
• Dietary Treatments of Gluten Ataxia
  
• Transglutaminase 6 Antibodies in the Diagnosis of Gluten Ataxia
  
• Mayo Clinic
• National Ataxia Foundation

Do you or a family member suffer from ataxia? You may have celiac disease. Find out now. Take our Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.