Is There a Connection Between Transverse Myelitis and Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Female, 31
Greetings, I'm reaching out in hopes of gaining some insight. Up until recently, I was in good health, only taking iron supplements in the past and maintaining my vitamin D levels. As a mother to two children, both delivered via c-section within the last three years, I’ve been focused on my family. ### Overview of My Situation - **Before Symptoms Began (November 2024)**: I struggled with continuous fatigue, mental fog, and memory lapses, which I attributed to low ferritin and vitamin D levels, as corroborated by lab tests showing I had deficiencies. At that time, I was about a year postpartum. - **Symptoms Emerged (June 9)**: I awoke to find numbness and tingling sensations extending from my hips down to my feet, roughly 1.5 years after giving birth. - **Initial Diagnosis (June 16)**: At this point, I was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency, with a serum level of 213 identified. Given my limited meat intake, this diagnosis made sense. - **Commencement of Treatment (Starting June 16)**: I was prescribed B12 injections (cyanocobalamin) three times a week. Initially, I received shots twice weekly, which showed some improvement in my symptoms, although I noted a spread of numbness to my waist during that first week. After 7 weeks of adhering to the B12 regimen: - Tingling and numbness saw enhancement of approximately 70%, primarily localized to my feet by this point. - Both brain fog and fatigue significantly diminished. - **First Emergency Room Visit (June 24)**: I sought emergency care due to an escalation of my symptoms, particularly the spreading numbness. They prescribed a spinal MRI, but it was scheduled for seven weeks later. Throughout this waiting period, I continued the B12 injections, which helped alleviate my symptoms further. - **MRI Results (July 27, available July 30)**: The MRI revealed several T2-weighted hyperintense lesions on the spinal cord from T3 to T8, with specific findings including: - At T3–T4: patchy enhancement in the central area. - At T4–T5: lesions at the right and mid-dorsal regions. - The most significant lesion appeared at T5–T6 on both the central and left sides with patchy enhancement, while T8 was noted as mid-dorsal. - There was no compression observed on the spinal cord. - **Second Emergency Room Visit & Neurology Admission (August 18)**: After returning from travel, I was admitted for a comprehensive evaluation. Numerous tests, including a brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and autoimmune antibody tests, yielded negative results. The brain MRI appeared normal with no signs of oligo bands. - **Follow-Up MRI**: A subsequent spinal MRI indicated multiple T2 hyperintense lesions from T3 to T8, showing a slight decrease in both size and quantity compared to the July scan, and no longer indicating enhancement (suggesting no active inflammation). - **Treatment Adaptations**: I underwent three days of IV steroid treatment, which resulted in minimal symptom changes. In stark contrast, I noticed that stopping B12 injections led to a notable intensification of numbness and tingling. - **Treatment Complications**: I had to suspend my B12 injections due to experiencing a spinal headache post-lumbar puncture, necessitating a blood patch that ultimately alleviated the headache. Currently, I am dealing with back pain which has delayed my return to B12 treatment. - **Present Symptoms**: I continue to have numbness and tingling that improve with B12 but worsen in its absence. Recently, I've encountered sporadic twitching around my cheek near the nose and intermittent tingling in one finger. ### My Inquiry I am wondering if a vitamin B12 deficiency could potentially cause transverse myelitis. My neurologists have indicated that this level of spinal cord damage is unlikely to stem from B12 deficiency alone. However, given that my symptoms significantly improved during the 7 weeks of B12 treatment before my MRI and intensified upon discontinuation, I wonder if there is a potential connection between my low B12 levels and the observed spinal cord lesions/neurological symptoms. I have been referred to a specialist at an MS clinic for further assessment, but the appointment is scheduled four months away. This wait has been incredibly frustrating as I seek answers to my condition.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 10:01:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been going through quite a challenging time with your health, and I want to reassure you that your concerns are completely valid. To address your inquiry: While vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling, the connection with transverse myelitis and spinal lesions is a complex topic.
Key Points:
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B12 Deficiency and Neurological Symptoms: Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function. A deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and cognitive issues, which you've experienced. Your documented improvement with B12 treatment supports this.
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Transverse Myelitis: This is an inflammatory condition of the spinal cord, which can result in symptoms like weakness, sensory changes, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. While B12 deficiency might cause symptoms that mimic some aspects of this condition, significant spinal cord damage as seen in your MRIs typically does not arise solely from a B12 deficiency.
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Current Situation: The lesions you've mentioned could be indicative of an inflammatory process, which might require further investigation to differentiate between causes, including autoimmune conditions or other factors.
Recommended Actions:
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Continue B12 Treatment: Since you've noted that symptoms worsen upon stopping B12 injections, it’s important to resume and maintain your injections as soon as you are able. This will help manage your symptoms better.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms including their frequency, intensity, and any new changes. This can be invaluable for your neurologist when discussing your condition.
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Seek Support: Given the waiting time for your specialist appointment, consider searching for support groups or online forums related to transverse myelitis or B12 deficiency. Connecting with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and potentially useful information.
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Manage Stress and Fatigue: Since you’re caring for two young children and managing these health challenges, finding time for self-care is crucial. Simple practices like short naps, gentle exercises, or mindfulness can help alleviate fatigue and improve your well-being.
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Stay Informed: Utilize reliable resources to learn more about transverse myelitis and vitamin B12 deficiency, so you can have informed discussions with your healthcare providers.
Remember, your health journey can be complex, and it’s understandable to seek clarity. I'm here to support you as you navigate these challenges. If you have further questions or need more specific information, please feel free to ask.
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