Neurological symptoms and injection r... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

31,810 members22,936 posts

Neurological symptoms and injection regime

Cwalshox4 profile image
4 Replies

All, was diagnosed a week ago, and doc prescribed 10 injections over 5 weeks and then 3 monthly. Since diagnosed I have been reading lots of info.

I had numbness and pins and needles in my hand today after being on the phone for half an hour, and cleaned that it may be a symptom of neurological issue. I have had it a lot recently, but it had not registered as an issue.

Should I push for a different treatment regime (or a referral to a neurologist?

Thanks

Written by
Cwalshox4 profile image
Cwalshox4
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
4 Replies
jillc39 profile image
jillc39

I am not a medic, but 'yes' to both I think from experience.

Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator

Hi Cwalshox4. Have you have a look at the symptoms check list on the PAS website and also the symptom checklist on b12deficiency.info? It might be worth checking as you may have neurological symptoms that you were not aware of (I.e. Balance problems, pins and needles / numbness - and many others).

Occasional pins and needles my be just occasional pins and needles (for instance, positional) but it you have regualar non-positional pins and needles and have other neuro symptoms, then you should definitely be on the neurological regime for B12 deficiency (I'm assuming you know about this as you say you've been reading the forum?).

It would certainly be worth approaching your GP, perhaps taking some of the printed information about treatment with neurological symptoms from the PAS pinned posts to show your GP.

You may have to be very persuasive to get the right treatment as many GP's are very ill-informed about B12 deficiency and PA so please don't be surprised if your GP gets a little 'touchy' on the subject - just keep at it!

And yes, if you do have neurological symptoms your GP should refer you to a neurologist as it would be a good idea to rule out any other causes.

Good luck, lets us know how you get on, and please post again if you need any further advice or support 😀

clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support

Hi Cwalshox4 I see from previous posts that you had a B12 level of 138nmol/L and you start your injections tomorrow (Tuesday).

I am not a medically trained person but I think you should be aware that once the injections have started the symptoms you have now may well appear to get worse before they get better and they might even be joined by new ones.

This is not something you should get too worried about as it is quite common.

However this is not necessarily a "bad thing" as it is a sign that the B12 is getting to work repairing the damage done to your nervous system caused by the deficiency.

Folate is "used up" processing the B12 you are having injected so please ask your doctor whether he/she thinks you need to be prescribed folic acid for a couple of months or so.

I wish you well for the future.

Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny

B12 Deficiency Symptoms checklists

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

pernicious-anaemia-society....

My understanding is that in the UK, those with b12 deficiency with neurological symptoms should get loading doses every 2 days for as long as symptoms continue to get better then injections every 2 months. This info is on page 8 of the BCSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines.

You may also like...

Treatment Regime For B12 def. with neurological symptoms

the right direction for a treatment regime with moderate or severe neurological symptoms? Grateful...

Are these neurological symptoms?

the loading injections I have had a little bit of tingling and numbness in my feet and hands, but...

Neurological symptoms

first injection, I had blood taken to check for PA. My concern is, my GP has prescribed me two...

Neurological symptoms: self injecting how long to see some improvement.

2weekly injections. I am thinking of asking GP for neurology referral but during present UK...

Neurological symptoms

centre of back and side of back around hips. Pins and needles down limbs and ‘under scalp’. Feeling...