Immunological Disorders and Immunotherapy
Open Access

Gluten Ataxia

Gluten ataxia is an autoimmune disorder in which the antibodies that are released when digesting gluten attack part of the brain by mistake. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Though most people have no trouble with digesting this protein, many people have a gluten sensitivity or a disease called celiac sprue. People who have issues digesting gluten may develop digestive problems and cause damage to the small intestine when they eat something containing gluten. In some cases, the body’s reaction to gluten can become quite severe. In these cases, the body starts to attack the central nervous system, which may cause gluten ataxia.