A gastrointestinal condition, celiac disease affects a patient's ability to absorb nutrients from food with gluten such as wheat. Information released in 2008 from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that in the United States, more than 2 million people have the disease. When a celiac disease patient eats a food that contains gluten, her immune system attacks the lining of the intestines. Celiac disease can also result in symptoms that affect the brain and nerves.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Patients with celiac disease may develop peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Sensory nerves, which relay information back to the brain, are affected, resulting in changes in sensation. For example, the University of Chicago explains that peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness or a tingling sensation in a patient's hands and feet. Some patients may have a burning sensation in their hands and feet. The numbness and tingling can also occur in a patient's face and body. These changes in sensation can lead to a loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which may result in injury.
Seizures
MedlinePlus points out that some celiac disease patients may start having seizures--sudden surges of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The seizure disrupts the communication in the brain. Some patients may lose consciousness during a seizure, and when they regain consciousness, they do not remember the seizure occurring. A seizure can cause a loss of muscle control, with some patients twitching during the seizure. Other patients may have a change of emotion during the seizure, becoming panicky, fearful or joyful. In some seizures, patients see flashing lights.
Depression and Anxiety
Patients with celiac disease may have changes in their moods, such as depression, or they may experience anxiety, according to MedlinePlus. With depression, patients can become sad or irritable. They may withdrawal from friends or activities. Depression can affect concentration and sleep. If a person cannot concentrate, she can have problems creating new memories. Patients may have changes in appetite, either eating more than usual or less. With anxiety, patients have uncontrolled worries and fears that can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and rapid breathing. Anxiety can also affect concentration and sleep.
Fatigue
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that celiac disease patients may suffer from fatigue. For example, patients can have a lack of energy, which can make it difficult for them to complete a task. The fatigue occurs with the malnutrition from celiac disease.
