Since vitamin B12 is used in blood production, anemia occurs in its deficiency. B12 deficiency can be a very important health problem in terms of causing problems in the nervous system. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can cause various nervous system problems, ranging from balance disorders to dementia-like conditions.
B12 DEFICIENCY CONDITIONS
Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, not plant foods. Vegetarians are an important risk group for vitamin B12 deficiency
The most common cause of B12 deficiency is the disease known as pernicious anemia. In this disease, a kind of gastritis develops in the stomach and the intrinsic factor that plays a role in vitamin B12 absorption cannot be made. This impairs B12 absorption, leading to anemia.
B12 deficiency occurs in those whose stomach is removed by surgery. Partial removal is lighter than total removal.
SYMPTOMS AND FINDINGS IN VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Like all causes of anemia, the following general complaints occur in vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: Fatigue. As the depth of anemia increases, fatigue becomes more pronounced.
Quick fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, palpitations, pallor, and reluctance are seen. In those with deep anemia, complaints such as dizziness, tinnitus and blackout may be added.
It can cause tingling in the tips of the hands and feet, disturbances in the sense of balance and dementia-like conditions. Early diagnosis of nervous system findings is very important. In cases where diagnosis is delayed, treatment becomes more difficult.
HOW TO DIAGNOSIS?
It is important to consider B12 deficiency. If it comes to mind, it can be diagnosed with a blood test. Not only in those with anemia, but also before diagnosing numbness, tingling, dizziness, and perhaps more importantly, dementia, vitamin B12 determination should be made. B12 deficiency should also be excluded in patients who have anemia due to another cause but do not respond to treatment.
In patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, a series of investigations should be performed regarding the cause of this.
TREATMENT IN VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
It is easy to treat when diagnosed.
Since the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is the disorder of B12 absorption from the intestines, the treatment is done with B12 injections to be applied from the hip.
Early initiation of treatment is very important in patients with damage to the nervous system.
