Stonelike buildups of calcium in a young man's brain caused him to suffer through throbbing headaches and vision problems for 10 years, Live Science reported.
The Brazilian discovered that he suffered from a digestive condition which combined with celiac disease to produce a rare complication of the stones, according to a new report of his case. (See picture here.)
Repeated headaches and vision problems were treated as migraines, which eventually did not improve anything.
According to Live Science, patches of calcification in the back of the man's brain were found after the doctors performed a CT scan in the areas that handle vision.
Although the fluid circulating in the man's brain was normal, lab tests revealed that it had higher levels of the antibodies linked to celiac disease, according to the report published in the New England Journal of Medicine on April 16.
"Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and foods made with these grains," Live Science reported. "This reaction causes inflammation that damages the lining of the small intestine, and prevents the body from absorbing nutrients."
Live Science added, "Most signs of celiac disease are related to the gastrointestinal tract, and include stomachache, constipation and diarrhea. Other signs include iron deficiency, skin rash, headaches and fatigue."
But all these symptoms are not experienced by everyone who has celiac disease. Rather only 6 to 19 percent of patients with celiac disease show neurological complications, researchers said.
The patient, in this particular case, was detected to have a mild iron deficiency, prompting doctors to examine his intestines. He was later confirmed to have celiac disease, Live Science reported.
After being treated through a gluten-free diet and some iron supplements, including use of epilepsy drugs for his visual disturbances, his condition improved, according to the report.