There’s more to celiac disease than gastrointestinal issues, and research is paying more attention to these non-GI manifestations. A research review published in October 2010 focused on the impact celiac disease may have on the central and peripheral nervous system, noting that manifestations differ between children and adults.

Among adults, 57% of those suffering from neurological disorders had antigliadin antibodies, an indicator of celiac disease. In adults diagnosed with celiac disease, 8-10% suffered from neurological issues, according to the review. Research also suggested that the longer the delay between disease onset and diagnosis, the more likely neurological effects were detected, even years after diagnosis.

In children, potential links were found between celiac disease and epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, headaches and hyperactivity disorders, among others. Children with celiac disease were less likely than adults to develop neurological disorders, according to the review, due to the shorter duration between onset and diagnosis, and better adherence to a gluten-free diet.

To learn more about potential links between celiac disease and neurological issues, read the article.