Pernicious Anemia (cont.)
What are the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency/ pernicious anemia?
As discussed previously, true pernicious anemia results from an autoimmune
condition that impairs absorption of dietary vitamin B-12, resulting in vitamin
B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 deficiency of any cause will result in anemia and
neurologic symptoms.
Because the body has large stores of vitamin B-12, a deficiency takes many
years to establish.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency affects the nervous system, leading to a variety of
symptoms. Sometimes, these may be apparent before symptoms related to the
anemia. Neurological symptoms vary and may be nonspecific (meaning that these
are symptoms that can be caused by a number of different conditions). Feelings
of numbness, tingling, weakness, lack of coordination, clumsiness, impaired
memory, and personality changes can all occur. Both sides of the body are
usually affected, and the legs are typically more affected than the arms. A
severe deficiency can result in more serious neurological symptoms, including
severe weakness, spasticity, paraplegia, and
fecal and urinary incontinence.
Symptoms of anemia are due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the
blood. Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin can all occur with
anemia. In anemia, the heart is placed under stress since it has to work harder
to deliver enough oxygen to body tissues. This can result in heart murmurs, fast
heartbeats, arrhythmias, an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), or even
heart
failure. It is important to note that not all people who have vitamin B-12
deficiency and neurological symptoms will also have anemia.
A deficiency of vitamin B--12 can also alter the surface of the tongue,
making it appear shiny or smooth.
Finally, sometimes pernicious anemia is diagnosed in a patient with no
symptoms.
In these cases, it is usually found incidentally when blood tests are ordered
for another reason.
Next: How is pernicious anemia/vitamin B-12 deficiency diagnosed? »
- cyanocobalamin-injection, Cobal, Cyanoject, Cyomin, Vibal, Vitamin B-12 - Consumer information about the medication CYANOCOBALAMIN - INJECTION (Cobal, Cyanoject, Cyomin, Vibal, Vitamin B-12), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug CYANOCOBALAMIN - INJECTION.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
- Stomach Cancer - Read about stomach cancer symptoms, causes, stages, gastric cancer statistics, diagnosis, surgery, other treatment types and risk factors, like H. pylori.
Latest Medical News
Interactive Slideshows
Health News Feed