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Favorable seizure control with a gluten-free diet in a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy and celiac disease: a case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten sensitivity. Beyond its gastrointestinal presentation, CD is increasingly associated with neurological manifestations, including epilepsy. CASE PRESENTATION: To report the case of a 21-year-old female with a 15-year history of medically resistant epilepsy. Despite multiple antiseizure medications, seizure control remained inadequate. Further evaluation led to a diagnosis of biopsy-confirmed CD. The patient was initiated on a strict gluten-free diet, which resulted in significant clinical improvement and better seizure control. The ethnicity of the patient is Arab-berber (Maghrebi). CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of considering CD in the differential diagnosis of medically resistant epilepsy. Early recognition and dietary management may improve neurological outcomes.

Source: BMC Neurology

DOI: 10.1186/s12883-026-04628-8