What are the neurologic manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Neurologic manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency include cognitive, behavioral dysfunction, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy.
Patients may manifest slowed cerebration, dementia, or delirium (with or without delusion), while others exhibit depression, amnesia, or acute psychotic states.
Rare cases of reversible manic or schizophreniform states have also been reported.
In addition to a sensorimotor neuropathy, vitamin B12 deficiency also can result in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord due to dorsal and lateral column involvement.
Copper deficiency due to small bowel malabsorption or zinc overconsumption can produce a similar neurologic presentation.
