Sensory peripheral neuropathy aggravated by vitamin B12 in elder patient. A case report

ABSTRACT

Background@#Vitamin B12 is one of the common drugs used by physicians to treat peripheral neuropathy (PN), although many patients have a good response, however, overdose and toxicity aggravate the condition and worsen the patient’s symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to highlight association between Vitamin B12 toxicity and deterioration of PN symptoms.@*Case Summary@#An elder Sudanese man with acute onset of sensory PN, the patient’s symptoms started by tingling sensations and paresthesia affecting both hands and feet. After patient received cobalamin (vitamin B 12) prescribed by his doctor, the patient symptoms were markedly aggravated and his condition worsened to extend that impaired the normal patient ordinary work. No symptoms related to motor system. Other possible etiologies were studied and excluded. Investigations of his condition revealed blood level of B12 was 1900 pg/mL, the patient condition improved dramatically with discontinuation of the drug.@*Conclusion@#Cobalamin toxicity aggravate sensory PN symptoms. Clinicians are advised to adjust the dose and check Cobalamin level before and during treatment to avoid its toxicity.