Gluten Ataxia

Ataxia refers to a condition where a person develops problem maintaining balance. It is a neurological disorder with many etiologies including due to gluten sensitivity.

Gluten ataxia accounts for approximately 40% of all idiopathic sporadic ataxias. The mean age of onset of 53 years. It is often insidious and affects the gait and lower limbs.

About 60% of patients have cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain. Some patients may have elevated anti-gliadin antibodies.

A timely diagnosis and treatment with gluten-free diet may halt progression of the disease. Gluten ataxia should be a diagnostic consideration in any patient with ataxia where a cause is not obvious.