The prevalence of epilepsy in patients with celiac disease.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Pengiran Tengah
Dayangku S N A
DS
Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Nottingham, England.
Holmes
Geoff K T
GK
Wills
Adrian J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies