Gluten ataxia is a rare neurological condition where the body’s immune response to gluten mistakenly affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination and movement. Symptoms can vary from person to person but may include unsteadiness, difficulty walking, changes in coordination and a loss of confidence when moving around.
For Karen, her journey to diagnosis was a long one.
“You’re walking like you’re drunk!”
Around five years ago, Karen began experiencing problems with her balance. Initially, her symptoms were thought to be vestibular, meaning they were linked to the inner ear and balance system, and she was advised that they may improve over time.
However, her husband Stan was one of the first people to notice that something wasn’t quite right. He picked up on it and said, “You’re walking like you’re drunk!”.
Although said light-heartedly, this was an observation that highlighted a real change in Karen’s movement. Her balance difficulties continued, and after a fall resulted in a broken shoulder, she began working with healthcare professionals to find answers.
Eventually, after further investigations and blood tests, Karen was diagnosed with gluten ataxia. She has since followed a strict gluten-free diet, which she describes as an important part of managing her condition.
Starting physiotherapy
Following advice from her neurologist, Karen was recommended to try physiotherapy to help improve her balance. She initially accessed community physiotherapy, which she found helpful, but as gluten ataxia is a relatively uncommon condition, there was limited awareness of the specific challenges she was experiencing.
“I’d never heard of gluten ataxia before, and the community physio hadn’t either. We went through some basic exercises, but I wanted to find something more specific.”
After researching specialist options, Karen discovered Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy and decided to get in touch.
“I found the website and thought, I need to come and see what they can do.”
Karen visited our new clinic in Liverpool shortly after we opened in April 2026 and has been a regular ever since.
A personalised approach to improving balance and confidence with Burscough Neuro Physio
When Karen first came to the clinic, one of her biggest challenges was her balance. Throughout her first few sessions, her physiotherapist Kev identified changes in the way she was walking and developed a tailored programme to address the specific difficulties she was experiencing.
For Karen, the biggest difference was having someone who understood how to adapt exercises to her individual needs.
“One thing for me is being comfortable with somebody, and from day one I felt comfortable with Kev. I didn’t feel stupid if I couldn’t do something.”
Rather than simply being given a list of exercises to complete independently, Karen valued having someone observe her movement, understand what was contributing to her difficulties and provide guidance on how to improve.
“He picked up straight away from day one what I was doing with my walk, but I didn’t know what it was or how to fix it.”
The sessions have focused on improving her balance, walking pattern, strength and confidence. Kev has also worked with Karen on her shoulder recovery, helping to improve stiffness and movement following her injury.
Small improvements that make a big difference
For Karen, progress has come through small changes that have had a huge impact on her everyday life.
“I can tell my balance is improving.”
She has noticed that she feels more confident when walking and is less worried about falling. Her husband Stan has also seen a difference.
“She’s more confident. Before, you could see her stooping forward and I felt like I needed to stand next to her to catch her. Now she’s getting more confident walking.”
One milestone that particularly stands out for Karen is being able to enjoy walks again with less reliance on her walking stick. Living near Sefton Park, Karen and Stan enjoy walking to the Palm House for a coffee. Recently, Karen found herself walking further and switching between using her stick and walking independently.
“It’s a confidence thing. I would never have used my stick in the house, but outside I always thought, what if I fall? Now I’m starting to trust myself more.”
Taking confidence from the clinic into everyday life
A key part of Karen’s rehabilitation has been learning how to apply what she practises in sessions to everyday situations.
From improving her walking technique to working on her balance at home, she now uses the strategies she has learned throughout her day.
Kev’s reminders have even become part of her routine.
“He always says ‘pitter patter, pitter patter’ about my steps. Now when I’m going down my garden steps, I’m saying it to myself!”
For Karen, having the support and encouragement of a specialist neuro physiotherapist has made a real difference.
“You need someone professional to look and say, ‘these are the hints and tips we’re going to give you.’ They can’t fix you, but working on them, it can only get better.”
Karen’s advice to others
Karen understands that taking the first step towards physiotherapy can feel daunting, especially when you are unsure what to expect.
“I would definitely say try it.”
She admits she felt nervous before her assessment, but those worries quickly disappeared.
“Everyone here is really nice. It makes you feel so relaxed.”
Her advice to anyone living with a neurological condition who is considering specialist physiotherapy is simple: “Give it a go. I would never have done what I’m doing here at home.”
For more information on the various forms of ataxia, visit https://www.ataxia.org.uk/
Karen’s story highlights the importance of specialist neuro physiotherapy for people living with conditions that affect balance, coordination and movement. With the right support, personalised rehabilitation and consistent practice, meaningful improvements in confidence and independence can be achieved.
Karen’s progress and determination is admiral, and we are honoured to have been part of her recovery! If you or a loved one are experiencing similar issues, get in touch to start your rehabilitation at Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy.
Contact us by telephone, email or via our contact form to arrange an assessment. We’re here to help!
