B12 deficiency as cause - Neuropathy Message Board

WoodRunner · 05-18-2001, 07:57 PM

Does anyone know of a connection between painful neuropathy (peripheral) and a B12 deficiency? Possibly Pernicious Anemia as a cause?

WoodRunner Ohio and Maryland

Cissy1 · 05-19-2001, 03:23 PM

Almost two weeks ago I went to a neurologist because of extreme weekness in my legs as well as the pins and needles sensations along with the pain. I am a diabetic and he thinks I have peripheral neuropathy. He did quite a few prilimenary tests in the office and came to that conclusion. I have recently had back surgery for relief of a pinched nerve. He sent me for tests that included a blood test to check for a B12 deficeincy. It came back that I don't have a deficiency so my cure is that that easy. but it appears to be a reasonable explanation for the neuropathy.

Oldguy · 05-19-2001, 09:12 PM

Woodrunner and Cissy, B12 is not the missing agent. Diabetic neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy in diabetes results from glycation, (protein damage due to high blood glucose). Two chemicals are being studied that promise some prevention; these are aminoguanidine hcl, and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride. The latter of these is in the vitamin B6 family, and is synthesized by the body from vitamin B6...I strongly suggest a 100mg/day of vitamin B6, or better yet, P5P (pyridoxine-5-phosphate which is vitamin B6 after it is metabolized by the liver. Take this along with a high potency B-complex...God Bless,
Oldguy

WoodRunner · 05-19-2001, 10:05 PM

Cissy1... It sounds as though you and I are in the same boat. I also saw a Neurologist a couple of weeks ago and she diagnosed me as suffering from Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and also Autonomic Neuropathy affecting my Sweat glands and smooth muscles--body temperature control. The burning pain in my toes is the worst part. I just started on Gabapentin/Neurontin this week. Cissy1, please send me your story (woodrunner@springmail.com)so we can share info and possibly help each other through. Oldguy... Thank you for the recommendation, although it is frustrating to see that the information you provided concerns prevention. Cissy and I are already stuck with it. My Endocrinologist acts as though there is nothing that can be done to make this go away. However... back to my original question. At the same time I was meeting with the Neurologist they came in and started asking me questions concerning Anemia. My bloodwork showed signs. So now it looks as though I also may be diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. Somewhere I think I had seen that the lack of B12 could cause the Painful Neuropathy, and it gave me hope that maybe the pain could go away as I start on b12 shots. (note: I'm actually diagnosed with Schmidt's Syndrome. It's given me Addison's Disease and the Type 1 Diabetes, but Pernicious Anemia is also a common add-on from the Schmidt's)

I'm taking a B-complex, but maybe I should still take the B-6 dose you mentioned. Thanks again, OldGuy, for the advice and thanks all for listening.

WoodRunner

Dock · 07-20-2001, 05:18 PM

Please be aware that B6 in excess can actually cause peripheral Neuropathy. When someone has B12 issues they should have a complete Homocysteine Panel run along with the B12 Blood test. It is important when taking B12 to also take B complex vitamins as too much of one B vitamin can effect the balance of others. Charlie Golden's Peripheral Neuropathy website may be very helpful as it is geared towards Diabetic Neuropathies. Many on that site promote the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid as one of the therapies used to help diabetic neuropathies. There are some NIH studies that speak to this.