Ataxia

[Meblue]

Can someone explain ataxia? Is this common with b12 deficiency?

[Cb1963]

Well ataxia covers a multitude of symptoms, and as someone who is still trying to understand B12 deficiency, the list of symptoms are all normally related to the conditions, so rather than just using the word ataxia I think describing the symptoms are easier to follow, so here we go, muscle spasms, eye twitching, balance issues,chest palpitations, pins and needles, headaches, bowel problems, sleep problems, tiredness, yawning, brain fog, depression, ringing in the ears,and just feeling generally low, no doubt I've missed a few, but it's imperative to get on top of this condition, it 'creeps' up on you, and the symptoms can get worse if not treated,even trying to get it sorted can be a nightmare, I'm a plumber by trade and I'm used to working things out logically, but this condition has got me running round in circles, and for whatever reason I don't think the doctors take it seriously enough, that's my opinion I may be wrong or just having a moan, the other problem is that cause nobody can see this condition they don't think it affects you,trust me its something that needs careful attention, hopefully you'll some more input, thanks.

[Meblue in reply to Cb1963]

So it affects the muscles? Does it affect the way the muscles work? Like do they not respond the way they used to in the legs?

[TACCT in reply to Meblue]

Yes, b12 affects the nerves which control muscles. When this happens you get muscle spasms, twitches, loss of coordination, numbness and so on.

[coat2003 in reply to Cb1963]

dear oh dear.you have more there than ataxiia...first thing first, the mental health is paramount.positivity, acceptance are crucial....once one stops struggling with himself/herself. relief.it is difficult to explain as there are various stages, complete beginning, like me my speech afected, my balance, anything to do with motorics in the body...Had a taster of chocking, quite serious things, despite that, I'd say there are worse grave illneses like a cancer more difficult to recover, can come back...ataxia CANNOT define anybody, one needs to exer cise, eat well, stay fit, asapracticable. rest well and sleep well.it is a progressive condition, but nobody knows how fast, slow....not EVEN MY NEUROLOGIST.It is unlike MS, where an unfortu nate suferer can end up in a wheelchair, muscle wasting.My bro has it as mine is hereditary, but much milder.I am using a walker/rollator.He a crutch.But his speech is slower, imagine having a piercing on one's tongue,,,,,something sitting on the tongue, you cannot shift.or a sweet.shake like Parkinson in later stages is a bother, problems to sleep well, incontinence...exercising is important, as my paternal grandma didn't ever loss of muscle tone made her life more miserable.

[Lorna12345]

huffpost.com/entry/how-i-go...

Please read this.

[Hanneke12 in reply to Lorna12345]

I was diagnosed with a B12 deficiency last year, after years and years of waful symptoms. Was treated with 10 injections over 5 weeks, then only oral supplements. I felt a bit better (but not near well) for a while, and then of course it got worse again.

Last January I got tinnitus. And in February the bumping into things (a.k.a. ataxia - I learned the name in a list of B12D symptoms!) got so bad I hit my head against a beam in my own bedroom, leading to a concussion.

This is when I said 'this has to stop', flew to Istanbul (where the health system is different, you need to referrals from a GP to see a specialist) and saw a gastro-enterologist. She found out my stomach lining was missing.

Now I'm on stomach meds and two injections per week since three weeks and already feeling much better.

[Lorna12345 in reply to Hanneke12]

I am very happy for you. ☺️

[fbirder]

From nhs.uk/conditions/ataxia/

Ataxia is a term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech.

A B12 deficiency can cause various forms of ataxia. Probably the most common is a problem with balance, caused by a loss of reflexes and proprioception caused by nerve damage to the legs.

This is most commonly observed if you close your eyes and tilt your head back. People often report losing their balance when washing their hair in the shower. Doctors can check using a Romberg test - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rombe... Indeed, if you've ever seen any of the tests they use in the USA for drunk drivers - I would fail just about all of them.

I joined Ataxia UK ataxia.org.uk/ and part of the membership pack is some cards. I call them my 'get out of drunk free' cards. They explain how the symptoms of ataxia can mimic those of being drunk. But I'm sure that many people in Tesco must think I'm an alcoholic because I quite often stagger a bit when doing the morning shop.

[Ghound]

Hello Meblue, My health had been slowly deteriorating over a couple of years, ? anaemia, ? thyroid, no diagnosis from Dr

- then the ataxia began !

Balance began to be affected, started with feeling dizzy if I turned too quickly then progressed to stumbling , tripping.

Matters came to a head when I injured myself twice , just as fbirder says, by falling out of our over -bath shower.

I then broke ribs on two occasions by falling, one time landing on my bedside table because I got up in the night without putting the light on. Just couldn't keep my balance in the dark, also found it impossible to get dressed without staggering about - the classic " Knicker Dance".

Self diagnosed after internet research and then began the battle to convince my GP ...

Thankfully was successful and after an intensive regime of B12 injection loading doses, these symptoms resolved.

I did however have to be really firm with medical staff, as I required loading doses for several months to achieve this level of recovery.

Hope all goes well for you.