<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> diagnosed with MS. I was looking for another article and found this one...Most interesting, Bev in Milwaukee brain lesions identical in MS and CD/gluten ataxia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> For those of you with MS in the family and those who responded to my earlier post-- here is the answer to my question posed to Dr. Rudert ("are brain lesions in MS and CD identical etc.?) I have often wondered if some MS patients have been misdiagnosed and are actually celiacs or gluten-sensitive. A consideration, especially if the spinal fluid is clear. I am wondering if a balance problem often associated with MS might actually be 'gluten ataxia.' There was a high percentage of CD among the MS patients of a doctor I have spoken to at the Tahoma Clinic in Redmond, Washington. I have since found that many celiacs have MS in the family. Food (gluten-free) for thought. The reply follows. See below. Helen Hecker R.N. Neurologic disorders may be associated with Celiac Disease: The majority are uncommon except for migraine headaches. It is thought that at least 4% of migraine headache sufferers are undiagnosed celiacs. The brain lesions in cerebellar ataxia, which can be seen with Celiac Disease are identical to MS. Both involve "white matter" changes. The NIH in Bethesda, Maryland is looking to enroll patients with cerebellar ataxia. Ataxia is diagnosed in a patient who has difficulty walking a straight line. They are screened for celiac and regardless of the results are placed on a gluten-free diet and monitored. The Nurse Coordinator can be reached at 1-301-435-8518, or call Barbara Kimber at 1-301-496- 0600. An article you may find of benefit: Ghezzi, A., Zaffaroni, M.: "Neurological Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disorders, with Particular Reference to the Differential Diagnosis of MS", Neurol Sci 2001; 22 Suppl 2:S 117-122. Also, Pengirna, T.C., Wills, A., Holmes, G.: "Neurological Complications of Coeliac Disease", Postgraduate Medical Journal 2002; 78(921): 393-398. I am not aware of a specific article on optic neuritis and Celiac Disease; however, a Medline Review may be of benefit. Sincerely, Cynthia S. Rudert, M.D., F.A.C.P _________________________________________________________________ http://local.live.com/?mkt=en-ca/?v=2&cid=A6D6BDB4586E357F!420 *Please provide references to back up claims of a product being GF or not GF* ******* To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[log in to unmask] *******