MRI results

[fromAL]

Last year I had numbness in my left toes that lasted about 2/3 months.  I went to my primary doctor and he did lots of blood work.  After initial blood work he told me he suspected a b12 defiency.  My b12 level was around 240, whatever that means.  I started b12 injections but symptoms did not improve fast enough.  So I went to a neurologist.  He did lots of test including an MRI of my brain and spinal cord.  He said MRI results were normal and never mentioned lesions.  He also said my b12 level was fine and was not low enough, in his opinion, to cause neurolgical symptoms.  Eventually the numbness went away.  Well for the last month and 1/2, I've been terribly off balance.  Went to my GP and had b12 drawn and started b12 injections once a week instead once a month (I've been going once a month for a year)  My b12 level was around 270 and my GP does not think the severity of my balance problems is being caused from b12...  Therefore, I have an appointment with the same neurologist from last year on Wednesday.  By the way, I'm a 34 year old white female.  My question.... (I know I may be paranoid but I'm really worried that something is very wrong with me)  How common, or is it common, to have a "normal" MRI and then later have lesions or abnormailities?  Call me crazy, but I just want some answers.  Does anyone know what a "normal" b12 level is?  I researched and can't seem to find an answer.  I do know that b12 defiencies do cause neuroligical symptoms but how low does a level need to be to cause these kind of problems?

[sherma]

I know of several people who have had symtoms of MS with a negative MRI.  You may need a lumbar puncture and an EVP.  These are also pretty good tests.  Ask for these.

[jantie]

I would like to know the same answers.  My husband has had B-12 levels around 350.  No one seems to be concerned about them.  However, his father and grandfather have had low B-12 levels (I don't know the levels).  Anyhow, my husband has been diagnosed with MS.  His only sympton is dizziness. He had a few lesions on an MRI.  I wonder, is it MS????  I wish someone would tell us more about B-12.

[mike1234567654]

Im not saying that his b12 level is causing everything, but it could be.  My level is 318 and from what i read that is really low. Doctors in the U.S just dont understand for some reason. In japan and europe the cuttoff is 550.  I have been feeling horrible, thought i had ms, but dont.  I started taking b12 pills about a week ago and i think im starting to feel better. you should insist that he gets b12 shots or have him start taking b12 pills which you can get over teh counter. It cant hurt to take to much, so try it out and see if it works.  Screw your doctor

[Jewel6]

A normal B12 level is 211 up to around 950.  I know that because I received my results today and asked the nurse what the norms were.  I know -- huge spread!  Mine was 177.  I've had a B-12 deficiency for years, but complications from it were never stressed to me by any doctor.  I been taking injections for more than 20 years, and I now have numbness in my arms and legs and major back problems. I was also told I had trigenial nerve disorder (spelling wrong) about two years ago (major pain in the face).  I have so many symptoms that could fit under both MS and low b12.  Can low B-12 cause MS, and is there any symptoms that clearly set the two apart?  I'm asking because I have had low B-12 for years and never had any of these symptoms.  By the way, I took my shot of B12 after they did my blood work so I would have an accurate assessment of where my levels are before I take the shot. Also -- FYI a person can get an overload of B-12 -- just like any other vitamin.  I was getting too much at one point and had mild symptoms, but it is unlikely that anyone would overdose on a vitamin if you are taking it as directed over the counter.  Most people don't need more than one multi-vitamin a day -- your body gets rid of what it doesn't need.  One other note -- some people -- like me -- can take all the B-12 pills I want and it wouldn't help. My body does not absorb B-12 -- that is why I have to get the shots. Jantie-- if your husband has lesions  that actually show on an MRI -- he likely has what his doctor said.  If your not sure, then get a second opinion.   Make sure you let them know of the family history. I agree with Mike -- the 211 low "normal" seems too low -- especially with the vast difference between that and 950.  Thanks for  any info!

Jewel6

[Jewel6]

Sorry --
A couple more questions before I go.  Does anyone with MS or B12 deficiency suffer from prolonged edema, a high white cell count, or too many red blood cells. I haven't seen anyone mention any of these.  The edema is predominately in my legs -- two years messing with this.  What has me scratching my head is too many red blood cells -- no they are not oversized -- there are just too many.  I thought it would be the opposite.  No infections explain the increased white cells.  Also -- I had to pry the nurse to get this information.  For those getting lab work -- make sure you ask the dr. or nurse to tell you EVERYTHING that is abnormal.   My doctor thought that my high white blood cell count was due to my chronic condition of Crohns -- that has been in REMISSION for the last 20 years.  God -- I need a new doctor.  I also think  I misspelled Crohns -- that is how long it has been since I had to be hospitalized for it.  I think a doctor once told me that low B12 can cause memory problems  -- but I can't remember for sure:)   Thanks again for any info.  

Jewel6