Ataxia refers to a condition where a person develops problem maintaining balance. It is a neurological disorder with may etiologies including due to gluten sensitivity.
Gluten ataxia accounts for approximately 40% of all idiopathic sporadic ataxias. It is often insidious, with mean age of onset of 53 years. It 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 (AGA).
A timely diagnosis and treatment with gluten-free diet may halt progression the disease. Gluten ataxia should be a diagnostic consideration in any patient with ataxia where a cause is not obvious.