Peripheral neuropathy with vitamin B12 deficiency

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency is a known cause of neurological disorders.
• Neuropathy is a significant clinical manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Malabsorption can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequent neuropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on patients with neuropathy linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.
• To highlight the clinical and neurophysiological diagnosis of this neuropathy.
• To discuss the underlying pathogenesis of vitamin B12-deficiency neuropathy.

Main Methods:

• Case series reporting on seven patients.
• Clinical assessment including signs of malabsorption.
• Neurophysiological studies to confirm neuropathy.
• Review of existing literature on pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Seven patients with neuropathy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency were identified.
• Four patients presented with additional malabsorption signs beyond an abnormal Schilling test.
• Neuropathy diagnosis was based on comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological data.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency is a critical cause of peripheral neuropathy.
• Clinical presentation and neurophysiological findings are essential for diagnosis.
• Further understanding of malabsorption's role is important in managing this condition.