What is Gluten Ataxia?

When gluten is eaten by a person with gluten Ataxia, their own body’s immune system produces TG6 antibodies. These antibodies attack the balance centre of the brain, resulting in ataxia symptoms. 

Sometimes the peripheral nerves located outside the spinal cord, which supply muscles and are also responsible for sensation such as touch and heat, can also be affected. This can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. It can result in numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and feet. 

Symptoms will vary in every person. Also, some people have slow onset symptoms and others can have an event where symptoms can develop immediately. If untreated symptoms can increase.professionals is here to help you with all of your healthcare needs.

Gluten is the cause of gluten ataxia and the only treatment for this condition is a strict gluten free diet. Gluten ataxia is diagnosed by checking your blood for the presence of TG6 antibodies. It can only be diagnosed with this test. It can take months and even years for the antibodies to completely disappear from your body and so you must stick to the strictest of gluten free diet at all times. If you do consume gluten at any time, further antibodies will be produced, resulting in more damage to the brain.

The good news is that by sticking to the diet and understanding how cross contamination works, then you can slow and even stop the advancing damage.

If you are concerned that you have gluten ataxia, then go to your doctor and insist on the TG6 test which currently is only available in Sheffield. They can refer you out of the area.