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Treatment responsive executive and behavioral dysfunction associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency
Gülden Akdal1, Görsev G Yener, Pinar Kurt
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey. gulden.akdal@deu.edu.tr
Neurocase
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neuropsychiatric issues, including behavioral changes and executive dysfunction. Prompt treatment with vitamin B12 injections effectively reversed these cognitive and emotional symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a known cause of neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Neuropsychiatric manifestations can be diverse, affecting mood, behavior, and cognition.
Observation:
- A case study detailing an individual with vitamin B12 deficiency presenting with significant personality, emotional, and behavioral changes.
- Neuropsychological testing indicated a pronounced impairment in executive functions.
- Brain imaging (Tc99m HMPAO SPECT) revealed hypoperfusion in the right fronto-temporo-parietal regions.
Findings:
- Vitamin B12 replacement therapy led to a complete resolution of the patient's executive and behavioral dysfunction.
- Neuropsychological test performance returned to normal levels following treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical role of vitamin B12 in maintaining cognitive and emotional health.
- Suggests that neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly executive dysfunction, can be reversible with timely vitamin B12 supplementation.
- Emphasizes the importance of screening for vitamin B12 deficiency in patients presenting with unexplained behavioral and cognitive changes.
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