From the Guidelines
Vitamin B12 deficiency is the primary vitamin deficiency associated with vertigo, and patients experiencing vertigo should get their B12 levels checked as soon as possible. The association between vitamin B12 deficiency and vertigo is well-established, with symptoms including gait ataxia, paraesthesia, and numbness in the trunk, which are primarily connected with the loss of sensory rather than motor-unit function 1. Treatment typically involves B12 supplementation, usually starting with 1,000 mcg daily for one week, followed by 1,000 mcg weekly for one month, then monthly injections or daily oral supplements (1,000-2,000 mcg) for maintenance. Severe deficiency may require B12 injections rather than oral supplements for better absorption. Some key points to consider:
- Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining myelin sheaths protecting nerve fibers involved in balance, and its deficiency can lead to demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) 1.
- Patients with neurological symptoms, such as vertigo, should be referred to a neurologist, and vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin E levels should be assessed and any deficiencies corrected 1.
- Consuming B12-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) can help prevent deficiencies, and supplementation with other vitamins like vitamin D may also be necessary, particularly in cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 1. It is essential to note that while other vitamin deficiencies, such as thiamine deficiency, can also cause neurological symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency is the most directly associated with vertigo, and its correction is crucial for improving symptoms and preventing long-term neurological damage 1.
From the Research
Vitamin Deficiency Associated with Vertigo
- Vertigo, also known as dizziness, has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency in several studies 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in the Journal of pediatric neurosciences found that patients with vitamin B12 deficiency presented with various neurological symptoms, including headache, seizure, and developmental delay, but did not specifically mention vertigo 2.
- However, a retrospective clinical study published in Acta clinica Croatica found that 4 out of 38 pediatric patients with vitamin B12 deficiency experienced dizziness, which is a symptom related to vertigo 3.
- Another study published in Revue neurologique reported a case of a woman with vitamin B12 deficiency who presented with cerebellar ataxia and cognitive deficits, which can be associated with vertigo 4.
- While the exact relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and vertigo is not fully understood, these studies suggest that vitamin B12 deficiency may be a contributing factor to vertigo or dizziness in some cases 3, 4.
Key Findings
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including dizziness and vertigo 3, 4.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency are crucial to prevent long-term damage and improve symptoms 2, 3.
- The clinical characteristics of vitamin B12 deficiency can be broad and nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging 3, 5.