What neurological tests

[Damseltree]

Does anyone know what neurological texts are used to confirm a diagnosis of b12 deficiency?

[pvanderaa]

Typical one is to stand straight up shoulders back, heels together, hold both hands/arms straight out in front of you palms down and close your eyes. Have someone help with their arms around you but not touching you and getting ready to catch you.

People with neurological damage in the brain stem and/or spinal cord will fall over. This happens to American football players with traumatic brain injury.

My GP does this test during my annual physical. So far I’ve not moved to far out of balance.

[fbirder]

You can't really diagnose a B12 deficiency on the basis on neurological tests alone.

There are over 80 possible causes of peripheral neuropathy. Many of them have symptoms that overlap with those caused by a B12 deficiency. So the presence of any of those symptoms can't tell you if you have a B12 deficiency. It's normal to diagnose the cause of a neuropathy as being a B12 deficiency by testing for the deficiency, rather than vice-versa.

This paper describes how difficult it can be to tell if a neuropathy is caused by a B12 deficiency. jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...

The earliest signs will probably be numbness/pins and needles in the hands and/or feet. This will almost certainly be symmetrical, affecting both left and right. As that slowly progresses balance problems will start to be obvious. They would probably do a Romberg test where you have to stand with your eyes close and arms stuck out in front of you. I fall over.

After that they will do nerve conduction tests, test for the presence of various reflexes (the Babinski reflex - where they scrap the sole of your foot - can tell if damage is peripheral or central).

[nano2]

Thought it was blood tests that determine B12 deficiency. Neurologist confirms if you have Neuropathy damage physical examination then could go onto MRI,EMG,NCS & Brain Scan.

[Minnskimoo in reply to nano2]

I have this in both my feet. My left foot has become numb and I feel as if I am walking barefoot on cobbles. I feel constantly dizzy and worn out! Had a consultation with neurologist last week and he did the cold/warm touch test with tuning fork type instrument/ pin prick and reflexes. He has requested an MRI and nerve conduction tests. Awaiting those appointments to try and determine the cause. My B12 is at 233 - it was 700 a few years back. I have been constantly informed that my B12 is ‘normal’ by my GP.

Sue

[waveylines]

Mine was tremors that B12 injections has gradually improved to the degree that they are now very mild indeed, only present now in one arm and one leg. You cant always rely on blood tests. Mine was low b12 but in range at 285. In my case B12 deficiency was also a known link to another condition that I have. I dont believe there is a short cut to diagnosis, blood tests, signs and symptoms should guide but ultimately its whether you respond to b12 injections and having those means your symptoms gradually resolve. The difference when I went on b12 injections was dramatic, everyone who knew me including my GP saw it.