The prevalence of epilepsy in patients with celiac disease

Abstract

Purpose: The relation between celiac disease and epilepsy is uncertain. Previous studies have suggested an association, whereas others have not. Methods: We ascertained the prevalence of active epilepsy in a cohort of 801 celiac patients by patient interviews and retrospective case note review. All the celiac patients had diagnostic confirmation by small bowel biopsy. Results: Twenty-one patients had a history of epileptic seizures, but only nine (1.1%) had active epilepsy. No specific epileptic syndrome was identified. Conclusions: This study suggests that a causal relation between gluten sensitivity and active epilepsy is unlikely.