Background: Neuropsychiatric and hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency are well known. The present report highlights the biochemical basis for the impaired synthesis of DNA and neurological disorders associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Methods: We present a case of an old patient who developed acute ataxia, dizziness and imbalance 2 days after pacemaker implantation in a cardiac care unit.
Results: On evaluation, the patient was found to have low vitamin B12 levels (121 pmol/l) with raised plasma homocysteine levels (28 μmol/l) and methylmalonic acid levels (17 μmol/l). Neurological examination revealed signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. CT scan of the brain was found to be normal. The usual hematological presentation was absent in this case. The patient responded dramatically to parenteral vitamin B12 supplementation.
Conclusion: Though frequent, the vitamin B12 deficiency often goes unnoticed in elderly population. So, with this report we emphasize that deficiency of serum vitamin B12 levels should be suspected and evaluated in elderly patients presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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