The neurology of enteric disease

Abstract

The role of liver failure in the development of various neuropathologies is well established. With regard to gluten-sensitive enteropathy, inflammatory bowel and pancreatic disease, most published evidence suggesting that these conditions are associated with neurological complications is at the level of case reportage rather than well-conducted epidemiological surveys. Coeliac disease seems to be associated with a unique syndrome in Italian populations and is characterised by occipital calcification and seizures. The role of gluten as a potential neurotoxin is disputed. Whipple's disease and Wilson's disease, although exceedingly rare, are both potentially treatable but still far more likely to be discussed in grand rounds than seen in real life!