Involuntary movements misdiagnosed as seizure during vitamin B12 treatment

Kursat Bora Carman1, Tugba Belgemen, Uluc Yis

  • 1From the Divisions of *Pediatric Neurology and †Pediatric Hematology, Gaziantep Children's Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|November 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause developmental regression and anemia. Involuntary movements may rarely emerge during treatment, mimicking seizures in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Nutritional Neuroscience

Background:

  • Childhood seizures and epilepsy are common neurological issues.
  • Nonepileptic paroxysmal events frequently mimic seizures in young children.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable cause of developmental regression, anemia, and movement disorders.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric patients presented with involuntary movements.
  • The involuntary movements occurred shortly after initiating Vitamin B12 treatment.
  • These movements were video-documented for analysis.

Findings:

  • Involuntary movements post-Vitamin B12 treatment can be mistaken for seizures.
  • This highlights a potential diagnostic challenge in pediatric neurology.
  • Early recognition is crucial for appropriate management.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Vitamin B12 treatment-induced movement disorders in children presenting with seizure-like activity.
  • Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary anti-epileptic drug administration.
  • This underscores the importance of a thorough medical history and observation in pediatric cases.

Related Concept Videos

Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
2.5K
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
42
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.7K
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
43
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
1.2K
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
3.3K