Unusual Balance Issues During Nighttime Could Signal Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Says Neurologist
She is healthy, walks 5 km daily but has a strange symptom while washing face. Could be a case of common vitamin deficiency, explains top doctor
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
A 40-year-old woman from Hyderabad, India, experienced balance issues while washing her face and walking in the dark despite being active and healthy. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar identified her condition as sensory ataxia, likely caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms.
- 01The patient showed no weakness but lost balance in low-light conditions.
- 02Dr. Sudhir Kumar diagnosed her with sensory ataxia linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- 03Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve health and can lead to balance issues when deficient.
- 04Symptoms may be subtle and easily overlooked in otherwise active individuals.
- 05Patients with similar symptoms should be evaluated for posterior column problems.
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A 40-year-old woman from Hyderabad, India, who completed a 5 km morning walk without issues, experienced unusual balance problems while washing her face and walking in the dark. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar explained that these symptoms pointed to sensory ataxia, a condition affecting the body's balance system due to impaired signals from the posterior columns of the spinal cord. This condition often manifests when visual cues are reduced, revealing hidden instability. Dr. Kumar identified Vitamin B12 deficiency as the most common cause, emphasizing its critical role in nerve health and the potential for balance issues to be one of the first noticeable symptoms. He urged that subtle symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate significant underlying deficiencies that require medical attention.
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This case highlights the importance of recognizing balance issues as potential indicators of Vitamin B12 deficiency, prompting individuals to seek medical evaluation.
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