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What Causes Numbness In Hands After Taking Vitmin B 12 Shots For Anaemia?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Question: I have been diagnosed with pernicious anaemia and have been receiving daily shots of B12.

Three weeks on I still have numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. My balance has been effected and I have fallen over on occasion. Most upsetting and worrying is my memory has taken a big hit and from being sharp minded with the ability to memories numerous schedules over many days and weeks where now I have difficulty remembering our business schedule of the next day. I seem to have all the long term effects except depression as I am sleeping well and am keen to go the next day but I sometimes find I am not sure where I am going. Sounds funny but it is very worrying for my future as I am/ was a very active business man and hope to continue but realise that this has put a big question mark on my future.
Your observations please and thank you.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Will take time to resolve

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

Vitamin B 12 deficiency could have non hematological manifestation like
1. Ataxia or disturbance in equilibrium
2. Peripheral neuropathy in form of glove and stocking affection of hands and feet
3. Occasional memory loss

There is rapid improvement in Hematological criteria, but other manifestation may take time to resolve ranging from 6 to 8 weeks.
I would suggest you the following
1. Take a week off from work if possible
2. Adequate sleep : 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is important to feel refreshed and reinforce memory.
3. Adequate fluid and nutrition intake
4. Avoid excess of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages


wishing you great health


Take care

Best regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. T Shobha Deepak

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1774 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Hands After Taking Vitmin B 12 Shots For Anaemia?

Brief Answer: Will take time to resolve Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcaremagic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Vitamin B 12 deficiency could have non hematological manifestation like 1. Ataxia or disturbance in equilibrium 2. Peripheral neuropathy in form of glove and stocking affection of hands and feet 3. Occasional memory loss There is rapid improvement in Hematological criteria, but other manifestation may take time to resolve ranging from 6 to 8 weeks. I would suggest you the following 1. Take a week off from work if possible 2. Adequate sleep : 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is important to feel refreshed and reinforce memory. 3. Adequate fluid and nutrition intake 4. Avoid excess of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages wishing you great health Take care Best regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS, MD