B12 or Parkinsons?

[Damseltree]

Has anyone been incorrectly diagnosed as having Parkisnobs when in fact it turned out to be B12 deficiency.

[Marz]

I know of three people with Parkinsons and many years ago I googled - adding B12 and PubMed to the question and yes there were research papers referring to how Parkinsons can mimic Low B12 and vice versa. I have read your previous post where someone asked if you had had your thyroid checked ? Think it was Joesmum Low thyroid levels accompany B12 Deficiency - also Low Folate - Low Ferritin and VitD. Hope you soon find some answers ...

[pitney]

Yes , I was treated for Parkinsons for about 18mths

[helvella]

I saw someone having Parkinsons suggested by their GP (and he seemed pretty convinced) - and the real cause was hypothyroidism - Hashimoto's.

[Marz in reply to helvella]

Hope the person did not have to wait too long for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

[helvella in reply to Marz]

It was after diagnosis - and commencement of treatment.

Suspect a combination of switching from living on adrenaline and inadequate dosing (levothyroxine only, of course), and severity of the hypothyroidism.

The doctor was a decent chap but out of his depth. And it did certainly have some appearances of Parkinsons.

[Marz in reply to helvella]

Umm - so sad that we hear so many of these tales when Docs are out of their depth with both PAS and Thyroid ...

[Damseltree]

Thank you for all your comments. GP (London) didnt know what active b12 was! Serum B12 was 400 in April so GP wouldn't look any further. Went privately to Geriatrician (being 86) as i could see i wasn't getting anywhere. He thinks Parkinsons but this does not account for breathlessness etc. I had a DATSCAN at great cost on Thursday to rule P.D. in or out. Thyroid seems OK. Also awaiting results of further serum b12 test and folate, as previously I had been suppliments and it could have skewed test. Also had three operations in 8 months. That means three doses of nitrous oxide possibly. Even if PD is possitive will push for the other b12 tests as what's to say one couldn't have both PD and b12 deficiency. P'S memory terrible, cognative

shaky.

[Cetus in reply to Damseltree]

Damseltree I too have been referred for all sorts of heart and lung tests for severe breathlessness but no doctor would consider B12. Before I have had the test appointments, I found I could mprove the breathlessness by adjusting my B12 and folic acid.

It must cost the NHS a fortune to go off on these diagnostic wild goose chases.

[Damseltree]

The DATscan came back negative. So no to Parkinson's. Now all sorts of test and B12 injections mentioned, dangled as a carrot for the future.