Celiac Disease Symptoms: Peripheral Neuropathy

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy describes a variety of disorders of the peripheral nervous system—which includes the face, arms, legs, torso, feet, hands, and some nerves in the skull. People who have peripheral neuropathy commonly experience pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and other muscle or nerve-related symptoms. Symptoms of neuropathy often begin slowly and in one specific area, and eventually spread and intensify. Neuropathy frequently affects people with autoimmune diseases. Other factors that may increase the risk of neuropathy include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Vitamin deficiency
• Certain medical conditions, such as cancers, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes and hypothyroidism
• Repetitive stress from work or hobbies
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Some bacterial or viral infections

What is the Connection between Peripheral Neuropathy and Celiac Disease?

• Neuropathy is most common among patients with autoimmune disorders, and celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune condition.
• Some research has found that 5% of patients with peripheral neuropathy have celiac disease.

Where Can I Learn More?

• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health

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