Leaky Brain, Seizures (epilepsy), & Gluten Sensitivity

June 29, 2011

Leaky Brain, Seizures (epilepsy), & Gluten Sensitivity

New research draws a connection between gluten induced leaky brain damage and seizure disorders (epilepsy).

Which Came First – The Chicken or the Egg?

It has long been held that chronic seizures cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage.  Recent studies have also demonstrated that BBB damage triggers seizures.

Source:

Brain Res. 2010 Sep 24;1353:176-86. Epub 2010 Jun 27.

Mov Disord. 2009 Oct 30;24(14):2162-3.

We know that gluten sensitivity can cause seizure disorders.  To that point, the Discovery Channel had an episode of Mystery Diagnosis that featured a young boy who responded to gluten by having seizures.  Additionally, we know that gluten sensitivity can contribute to blood brain barrier permeability (leaky brain). Now add to this the fact that a leaky brain will contribute to seizures and epilepsy. Thus the circle is complete.  When added together these elements create a viscous unending cycle of perpetual food induced damage.

Standard treatment for seizure disorders is typically medication (antiepileptic medication or AED’s). Unfortunately, the drugs do not actually correct the seizure disorder, they just reduce the occurrence of seizures through the artificial manipulation of brain chemistry.

The real question is, why are the seizures occurring in the first place.  Too often doctors look for a symptomatic fix over the origin of the problem.  This leaves patients no better off and in many cases worse off because the medications used for epilepsy lead to B-vitamin deficiency.

B-vitamin deficiency can cause neurological disease, contribute to seizures, neuropathy, and so on and so on and so on…

And so we wonder how many people with seizure disorders are gluten sensitive?

And because epilepsy is for the most part diagnosed by doctors (primarily neurologists) who don’t recognize the important contribution that food plays on health and disease, medication is the first line of treatment.  If you ask the doctor what the cause of the disease is, the most common reply is – “The cause is unknown, but most likely genetic.”  (unknown etiology)

How long can we justify the use of powerful drugs that have equally powerful side effects to treat a disease that in many cases could be easily treated with a simple dietary change?  And so we wait for doctors to open their eyes to the possibility that epilepsy (seizure disorders) can be caused by gluten exposure.

Wishing you excellent health,

Dr. Osborne – AKA – The Gluten Free Warrior

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Posted in: Gluten Free Society Blog, Nerve damage

Tags: epilepsy, gluten sensitivity, leaky brain, seizures

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A Tumor In The Brain Can Cause Dog Seizures

All dog owners need to know what the signs and symptoms of dog seizures are. Many dogs can have seizures and these are medical episodes that are not limited to certain breeds. Some conditions that your dog could have can increase the chances for seizures.

There are different types of seizures in dogs. Some are mild while others are severe. A severe seizure is described as a ‘Grand Mal’. There are multiple causes for mild and severe seizures in dogs. Taking the time to learn what you can about how to know when your dog is having a seizure and what to do in the event of one is important.

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A seizure occurs when the brain’s nerves begin to misfire. This is sign that there is a neurological problem going on. Keep in mind that a seizure is a symptom of some other medical issue and it is not a disease on its own. When one occurs, you are going to be dealing with an additional issue including the seizure.Keeping up with regular vet care helps to prevent some illnesses that could bring on a seizure.

Some liver disorders can cause horrible seizures. The condition in dogs known as hepatic encephalopathy is one underlying cause of seizures. This disease caused brain tissue degeneration brought on by insufficient hepatic activity due to an advanced form of liver disease. Abnormal behavior and impaired brain functioning are evident signs that help to cause seizures related to this disease.

Infectious or inflammatory conditions can also cause seizures. The most likely to relate are those that severely affect the nervous system. Canine distemper is one of these disease and is a common affliction in dogs that have not been properly vaccinated. Rabies is another brain virus that causes severe seizures. Making sure a dog is up to date on all vaccines can help to prevent these issues.

When your dog has been poisoned, seizures are going to happen. You would be surprised at how many pets are poisoned every year just in the United States. Make sure to keep up poisonous substances that could harm your dog, especially antifreeze. Animals are attracted to to the taste of antifreeze because it is sweet. In fact, many vets can diagnose this type of poisoning by smelling the breath of the animal.

The presence of a brain tumor can cause seizures as well. A tumor in the right place can cause severe seizures while one in another place may cause only mild ones. Dogs that have suffered head trauma can also have mild to severe seizures. This is common in those dogs that are hit my cars or are abused by owners.

Dog seizures are scary and when an owner does not expect it or know what to do, it can be a frightening experience. If a dog has any type of medical problem that may include the symptoms of seizures, make sure you talk to your vet about what to in the event of one happening. The biggest thing to remember is to remain calm and immediately call your vet.

A Tumor In The Brain Can Cause Dog Seizures

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