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Does Elevated Levels Of B12 Cause Spastic Gait?
Question: I have a spastic gait and limited mobility from waist down (with very little pain) and was diagnosed with elevated levels of B12 (1298 count). I have been researching this and find a correlation between B12 deficiencies but not elevated levels of B12. Do you know of any correlation between elevation of B12 and spastic gait? Every doctor I have seen wants to associate my malady with pain but that is not the case. Please don't do the same. Also I have located an MRI from 3-2013 which is after the bulging disc surgery. Do you want me to send copy of this disc? If so, please tell me how to do it.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Elevated Vitamin B 12 not associated with any disease
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have been experiencing difficulties with your gait and an elevated Vitamin B 12 levels. There are no diseases with elevated vitamin B12 levels. As you discovered deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can cause neuropathy of the lower legs and hence gait disturbances. In your case the vitamin levels are normal so this could not be the cause of your gait problems
You mention that you had back surgery in 2013 for a herniated disk. You did not mention what your MRI report revealed. I assume there was only surgical changes noted on your MRI.
Gait disturbances have numerous causes including natural aging, lower motor neuron damage, normal pressure hydrocephalus, frontal lobe disease, dystonia etc. The list is very long and complicated. I recommend that you seek a neurologist who is specially trained in gait disturbances.
in the mean time I recommend that you start a regular exercise and physical therapy program. you body will need a strong muscle core to help with your gait and balance.
In summary
1. Vitamin B 12 not cause of gait disturbance
2. Consult neurologist specializing in gait disturbances
3. Exercise program
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.
Elevated Vitamin B 12 not associated with any disease
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have been experiencing difficulties with your gait and an elevated Vitamin B 12 levels. There are no diseases with elevated vitamin B12 levels. As you discovered deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can cause neuropathy of the lower legs and hence gait disturbances. In your case the vitamin levels are normal so this could not be the cause of your gait problems
You mention that you had back surgery in 2013 for a herniated disk. You did not mention what your MRI report revealed. I assume there was only surgical changes noted on your MRI.
Gait disturbances have numerous causes including natural aging, lower motor neuron damage, normal pressure hydrocephalus, frontal lobe disease, dystonia etc. The list is very long and complicated. I recommend that you seek a neurologist who is specially trained in gait disturbances.
in the mean time I recommend that you start a regular exercise and physical therapy program. you body will need a strong muscle core to help with your gait and balance.
In summary
1. Vitamin B 12 not cause of gait disturbance
2. Consult neurologist specializing in gait disturbances
3. Exercise program
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
the mri for both head and back (according to those who reviewed it) shows everything normal except for arthritis of the lower back. The neurologist says that the elevated level of B12 (do you also consider 1298 an elevated level?) has nothing to do with my problem but I have since read that a deficiency of B12 can effect the nervous system. If that is true; wouldn't it be plausible to suggest that an elevated level of B12 could affect the nervous system also in some manner?
Brief Answer:
Elevated Vitmain B 12 does not cause problems
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning to HCM with your concerns.
I agree with your neurologist. Low vitamin B 12 does cause neuropathy as they affect the nerve impulses in your legs. But high levels of Vitamin B 12 aids impulses and will not cause any adverse effects. I have had numerous patients who take Vitamin B 12 supplements and have high levels without having any problems with gait or with any other nerve condition. Therefore, it is not at all plausible that elevated Vitamin B 12 levels cause problems with the nervous system.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.
Elevated Vitmain B 12 does not cause problems
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning to HCM with your concerns.
I agree with your neurologist. Low vitamin B 12 does cause neuropathy as they affect the nerve impulses in your legs. But high levels of Vitamin B 12 aids impulses and will not cause any adverse effects. I have had numerous patients who take Vitamin B 12 supplements and have high levels without having any problems with gait or with any other nerve condition. Therefore, it is not at all plausible that elevated Vitamin B 12 levels cause problems with the nervous system.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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