Celiac Disease is a severe form of gluten sensitivity, an inability to properly digest glutens, a type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. The symptoms are so varied, many people who have migraines may be unaware their suffering might be due to gluten sensitivity.
Research Uncovers the Gluten Connection
The relationship between gluten sensitivity and migraines is lying too often unnoticed in medical journals and press releases. In one study, neurologist Marios Hadjivassiliou described a middle aged man whose migraines began in childhood and did not respond to treatment. His migraines stopped completely after he was diagnosed with celiac disease and switched to a gluten free diet (American Academy of Neurology, Feb 14, 2001). For many, migraines may be the main symptom of gluten sensitivity.
Researchers Gabrielli and colleagues in Italy found that blood donors with migraines were more likely to have celiac disease than those who were healthy. The researchers concluded, "Our results suggest that a significant proportion of patients with migraines may have CD, and that a gluten free diet may lead to improvement in the migraine in these patients."
Gluten Sensitivity Overlooked as Migraine Trigger
Vikki Petersen, D.C.,C.C.N., is the co-founder and co-director of HealthNOW, a medical clinic in Sunnyvale, California. The clinic has a strong foucus on identifying and treating gluten sensitivity. With her husband, Rick, also a doctor at HealthNOW, Petersen is co-author of "The Gluten Effect" due to be released on February 13th. She also writes for the clinic's blog, The Gluten Doctors.
Petersen notes that many physicians lack awareness of the wide range of symptoms gluten sensitivity can trigger. She states,"That's the insidious, hidden aspect of gluten sensitivity which has contributed to its misdiagnosis - the medical profession is locked into the idea that without intestinal damage of a severe nature gluten sensitivity/celiac is not possible."
Dangers of Untreated Gluten Sensitivity
The list of neurological symptoms linked to gluten sensitivity is long and includes ataxia (balance and gait disorders), seizures, and development of brain lesions and calcifications as well as migraines. Delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the risks of serious harm to the brain and nervous system.
Tests for Gluten Sensitivity
Tests for antibodies are important indicators of gluten sensitivity. Some tests look for signs of genetic markers which are linked to gluten intolerance. Other tests may include intestinal biopsy or stool tests to identify bacterial infections or antibodies.
Tests Results May Be Misleading
Test results may be normal in someone who has gluten sensitivity. According to Petersen, "Our biggest challenge is not the positive test but rather the false negative due to lack of sensitivity." When tests are normal and sensitivity is suspected, a trial gluten free diet may be recommended.
Signs of Gluten Sensitivity
A number of symptoms may alert a physician or person with migraines to suspect gluten sensitivity as a trigger. According to Dr. Petersen, "Having migraines is a 'red flag.' Also, a craving for gluten and starchy foods is another. Patients who have no problem with gluten typically can 'take it or leave it' in their diet. It's the patients who feel they 'can't live without it' that definitely should check for a sensitivity."
Resources:
Sources:
Adams, Scott; Migraine Headaches: Gluten Triggers Severe Headaches in Sensitive Individuals; Celiac.com; 02/15/2001
American Academy of Neurology, Gluten in the Diet May Be the Cause of Recurring Headaches, News Release, Feb 14, 2001
DeNoon, Daniel J; Migraines Linked to Celiac Disease; WebMD Health News; March 21, 2003
Gabrrielli, M, et al, Association Between Migraine and Celiac Disease: Results From a Preliminary Case-Control and Therapeutic Study, AM J Gastroenterol. 2003 Jul; 98 (7):1674
Vikki Petersen,D.C.,C.C.N., HealthNOW Medical Clinic, Sunnyvale, CA
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Zoe Langley - Zoe Langley is a writer living in Kentucky. She is a past winner of the Seattle Writers in Performance Award. She has a passionate ...
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