Vitamin B12 deficiency affects nervous system ; reveals British Medical Journal report

By: Pune Pulse

November 23, 2023

Pune: Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can impact the body’s capacity to generate fully operational red blood cells, resulting in a range of symptoms. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous system.

As stated in a publication from the British Medical Journal (BMJ), neurological symptoms are the primary indicators in a significant number of cases. These symptoms pertain to the movement and functionality of the body. It is important to be aware of the following signs.

As per the information provided, Paresthesia is characterized by a sensation of burning or prickling in various parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, legs, or feet. This sensation, often described as tingling, numbness, skin crawling, or itching, is typically not accompanied by pain. If you encounter this symptom, it is crucial to seek medical advice from your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

As per reports, ataxia is the absence of coordination. It encompasses a range of disorders that impact one’s coordination, balance, and speech. Any part of the body can be affected by ataxia, resulting in challenges with balance, walking, speech, swallowing, writing, eating, and vision.

Myelopathy is a medical condition that arises due to spinal compression. The symptoms of this condition include pain in the neck or back, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Additionally, it can cause difficulties with fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt, balance or coordination issues, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

The nerves in the cochlea, which is a crucial fluid-filled structure in the ear responsible for hearing, can be harmed due to insufficient vitamin B12 in the body. Tinnitus is a condition where individuals hear sounds that do not originate from an external source. The sounds associated with tinnitus can be described as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, humming, hissing, throbbing, music, or singing, as stated by the NHS UK.

Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency can impact body posture, which is closely linked to proprioception, vestibular and visual function, and muscle tone. This deficiency can result in poor balance and falls, which can cause a person to lose their balance while walking or feel imbalanced.