What is subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord?
Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a disorder of the spine, brain, and nerves. It involves weakness, abnormal sensations, mental problems, and vision difficulties.
Why is subacute combined with degeneration?
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord can be caused by inadequate oral intake of vitamin B12, poor absorption of vitamin B12, or by the use of medications such as metformin, proton pump inhibitors, and nitrous oxide.
What tracts are in subacute combined degeneration?
(In subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, the “combined” refers to the fact that the dorsal columns and lateral corticospinal tracts are both affected, in contrast to tabes dorsalis which is selective for the dorsal columns.)
What is spinal cord degeneration?
Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, but may also be the result of tumors, infections or arthritis. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by degeneration can be caused by: Slipped or herniated discs.
What causes Vit B12 deficiency?
Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by:
- Diet. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs and milk, so people who don’t eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements.
- Pernicious anemia.
- Gastric surgeries.
- Intestinal problems.
Is subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord reversible?
Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a treatable and potentially reversible myelopathy that primarily affects the dorsal and lateral columns. Its causes directly and indirectly involve vitamin B12 deficiency, and symptoms range from mild paresthesias to paraplegia and incontinence.
Can subacute combined degeneration be cured?
Recovery is more likely if subacute combined degeneration is treated early. When treated within a few weeks after symptoms appear, most people recover completely. If treatment is delayed, the progression of symptoms may be slowed or stopped, but full recovery of lost function is less likely.
How does vitamin B12 deficiency affect the spinal cord?
Subacute combined degeneration is progressive degeneration of the spinal cord due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Nerve fibers that control movement and sensation are damaged. People have general weakness, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, and stiff limbs and may become irritable, drowsy, and confused.
What causes degenerative?
Degeneration occurs because of age-related wear-and-tear on a spinal disc, and may be accelerated by injury, health and lifestyle factors, and possibly by genetic predisposition to joint pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Degenerative disc disease rarely starts from a major trauma such as a car accident.
What is the another name of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein.
Can MS cause vitamin B12 deficiency?
Several recent reports have documented vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with MS. The etiology of this deficiency in MS is unknown. The majority of these patients do not have pernicious anemia and serum levels of the vitamin are unrelated to the course or chronicity of the disease.
What degeneration means?
Degeneration refers to the process by which tissue deteriorates and loses its functional ability due to traumatic injury, aging and wear and tear.
What is the most common degenerative disease?
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the most common neurodegenerative diseases. In the United States, as many as 6.2 million people may have Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association in 2022.
Can vitamin D Cure MS?
Research over the years has shown that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect and lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of studies have shown that people who get more sun exposure and vitamin D in their diet have a lower risk of MS .
Which vitamin B is best for MS?
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, is also beneficial to MS symptoms. The study showed that combining B12 and B9 supplementation can improve the quality of life for those with MS.