Leg or arm numbness is a ‘stunning’ symptom of underdiagnosed illness

Some well being situations and illnesses are extra efficiently recognized than others.

This is usually depending on how apparent, and well-known, the signs are.

Therefore, a GP spoke with Express.co.uk in regards to the indicators of a sure situation that’s severely underdiagnosed.

She urged individuals to hunt medical assist in the event that they discover any indicators of coeliac illness – an intolerance to gluten.

Doctor Asiya Maula, GP at medical centre The Health Suite, stated: “Only 36 percent of people who have the condition have been diagnosed, meaning nearly half a million people are living with the symptoms but don’t know it.

“Symptoms of low level gluten intolerance include bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pain but the symptoms below may indicate coeliac disease – the most serious form of gluten intolerance.

“If you are experiencing these symptoms, we highly suggest booking a blood test with your GP to test for coeliac disease.”

She warned that about 10 % of individuals with the situation will expertise peripheral neuropathy – numbness or tingling within the palms and toes.

“Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye,” she stated.

“A surprising symptom of gluten intolerance is neuropathy, which involves numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

“This may be due to the fact that gluten intolerance can result in vitamin B12, D and E, and folate and iron deficiencies which can affect nerve function and contribute to symptoms like limb numbness.

“With more extreme gluten-sensitivity cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This immune response can lead to inflammation, including in the peripheral nerves.

“According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, about 10 percent of people with coeliac disease experience neurological symptoms like peripheral neuropathy, it is less clear as to how many people with gluten intolerance have neurological symptoms.”

Day-to-day influence

She continued: “Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact a person’s daily life. It can present as pain, tingling, or a ‘pins and needles’ sensation, along with the numbness.

“This can make it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or typing.

“It can also affect balance and coordination, making it harder to walk or run. In severe cases, it can even lead to muscle weakness.

“Gluten ataxia is another, relatively rare neurological condition that can develop in some individuals who have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.”

Why does it happen?

Dr Maula defined: “It is caused by an immune response to the ingestion of gluten that damages the cerebellum, the part of the brain that’s responsible for muscle coordination and balance.”

Other signs

Symptoms will happen if somebody has consumed gluten, which is present in meals containing wheat, barley or rye.

Common indicators embrace:

• Diarrhoea, which can odor significantly disagreeable
• Stomach aches
• Bloating and farting (flatulence)
• Indigestion
• Constipation.

It may trigger:

• Tiredness (fatigue) because of not getting sufficient vitamins from meals (malnutrition)
• Unintentional weight reduction
• An itchy rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Problems getting pregnant (infertility)
• Disorders that have an effect on coordination, steadiness and speech (ataxia).