Vitamin B12 deficiancy

[Lindy_32]

I just recently had my Vitamin B12 tested and the result was 209 (low normal) and when I repeated it 3 weeks later is had dropped low still to 187, which they say is still normal(normal ref range 150-668) but I have been having nerve problems since April this year and the neurologist I saw said it wasn't MS after I had a normal MRI of the head and neck and normal nerve conduction studies.  I was concerned still since the neurologist seemed to have no other ideas as to what was causing my symptoms so I went back to my GP who sent me for the V B12 level and other blood test, but he never called me for follow up so I went to walk in clinic to get the level checked again.  THEY have called me in for follow-up for the Vitamen B12 level.  I'll be seeing them this Saturday.  I have I have muscle weakness in my left arm and leg.  I get muscle spasms all the time and burning and tingling in my left toe and a "pulling" feeling in the middle of my back.  Could this all be from a Vitamin B12 deficiency?  None of the doctors I've seen seem to have any Ideas.  I feel like I have to try and diagnose myself.  I'm soo frustrated.

LindaL


This discussion is related to paresthesia--vitamin B12 deficiency or MS?.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Values of less than 200 pg/ mL are a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. In adults levels between 200 and 500 pg/ mL may also have symptoms. clinical features of deficiency consist of classic triad of weakness, sore tongue  and paraesthesias.  Onset is often with a sensation of cold, numbness or tightness in the tips of toes and then in the finger tips, rarely lancinating pains. Paraesthesias are ascending and occasionally involve trunk, leading to sensation of constriction in abdomen and chest.
Untreated patients may develop limb weakness and ataxia. There have been case reports of neuropathy and myelopathy, neuropsychiatric manifestations like recent memory loss, reduced attention span, ocular findings like scotomas, nystagmus, poor joint position and vibration sense predominate.
So my contention is that these may be most likely due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Consult your neurologist for supplementation parenterally or orally.
Take care.

[Ndobbins]

ors have hearing problems!

Sorry, I hit the wrong key & it posted too soon!

Take care & feel free to ask me any q's.
Nancy

[Ndobbins]

I too have a B-12 deficiency & have nerve damage in my feet & legs. My MRI showed lesions suspicious for MS. However the neuros say not MS. I have slurred speech too intermittently. I am frustrated & trying to figure out on my own too! I am on the maximum dose of Lyrica & now on Cymbalta since the neuro sent me to a rheumatologist who feels I am depressed & have fibro. I don't have fibro symptoms. Again, very frustrating! You get to a point where you feel that all doct