Can subacute combined degeneration be cured?

It is important to distinguish B12 deficiency from other causes of myelopathy. Subacute combined degeneration is curable, but early detection is necessary for full clinical recov- ery.

What is the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in the cause of SCD?

SCD is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It mainly affects the spinal cord. But its effects on the brain and the peripheral (body) nerves are the reason for the term “combined.” At first, the nerve covering (myelin sheath) is damaged. Later, the entire nerve cell is affected.

Why does B12 cause subacute combined degeneration?

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation and maintenance of a fatty sheath (myelin sheath) that surrounds some nerve cells and that speeds transmission of nerve signals. In subacute combined degeneration, the myelin is damaged, causing sensory and motor nerve fibers from the spinal cord to degenerate.

What is subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord?

Subacute combined degeneration is progressive degeneration of the spinal cord due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Nerve fibers that control movement and sensation are damaged. People have general weakness, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, and stiff limbs and may become irritable, drowsy, and confused.

Does B12 deficiency cause back pain?

Vitamin B12 is typically known as the vitamin that can amp up your energy, but it also helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA. A 2000 study on vitamin B12 and low back pain found that taking this vitamin may help ease back pain, too.

Is vitamin B good for spinal stenosis?

Vitamin B12 is important for the normal functioning of the neurological system, deficiency of which can result in varied neurological symptoms which may mimic those of spinal stenosis.

Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause demyelination?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to be associated with signs of demyelination, usually in the spinal cord. Lack of vitamin B12 in the maternal diet during pregnancy has been shown to cause severe retardation of myelination in the nervous system.

Can subacute combined degeneration be cured? It is important to distinguish B12 deficiency from other causes of myelopathy. Subacute combined degeneration is curable, but early detection is necessary for full clinical recov- ery. What is the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in the cause of SCD? SCD is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It mainly…