[Vitamin B12 deficiency and neurological disorders: a case report and literature review].
BACKGROUND
Vitamin B12 deficiency is often associated with neurological disorders of which combined sclerosis of the spinal cord is a common manifestation.


METHODS
We report the case of a woman who presented cerebellar ataxia and cognitive deficits associated with leukoencephalopathy on the brain MRI. These symptoms were associated with vitamin B12 deficiency due to Biermer's disease. Vitamin B12 supplementation led to symptom improvement. Later her treatment was discontinued and the patient's clinical status worsened to a bedridden status.


CONCLUSIONS
Ataxia cerebellar dementia and leukoencephalopathy can result from vitamin B12 deficiency. To limit the risks of sequelae, vitamin B12 supplementation should be started at an early stage.
Service de neurologie, hôpital Bretonneau, CHU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnelle, 37044 Tours cedex, France. alice.gochard@wanadoo.fr
A
A
Gochard
K
K
Mondon
B
B
De Toffol
A
A
Autret
D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056784:Leukoencephalopathies / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications*