As an 83 yr old man got affected by Paraesthesia, in Delhi – physicians explained the risks of this vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to serious effects.
Paraesthesia
“Paraesthesia” denotes a prickling or burning sensation of the legs, arms, hands, feet or other parts of the body. The sudden onset of the sensation, which is typically painless, is described as itching, skin crawling, or tingling.
Almost the majority of the people have experienced this at some point in their lives – transitory paraesthesia, also known as “pins and needles,” as a result of spending too much time sitting with their legs crossed or sleeping with one arm protruding under their head. It occurs when prolonged pressure is applied to a nerve. Once the pressure is released, the feeling rapidly disappears.
Symptoms
The affected parts of the body can experience
- Numbness
- Tingling Sensation
- Pricking effect
- Hot or cold effects
- Depression
- Changes in walking style
Mostly these symptoms will disappear after a short time. But, if this persists for a longer time, it is advised to consult a doctor.
Causes
The main cause of Paraesthesia is due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Other causes may be diabetes, liquor consumption, Nerve compression/Injury, and a Low amount of blood supply to a nerve due to blood clots or plaques. Less common causes includes, Multiple sclerosis, Infections, strokes, cancers etc.
Treatment
- Repositioning our body parts.
- Vitamin B12 supplements
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
- Topical creams like capsaicin
- Oral medications like pregabalin and gabapentin.
Vitamin B12 rich foods
1. Yogurt: It’s a wonderful bliss for vegans. On cup of Yogurt can provide 285 of vitaminB12.
2. Dairy products: Milk and its products namely cheese, and paneer are rich sources of Vitamin B12.
3. Cereals such as oats, bran, etc.
4. Fortified foods such as soy milk or almond milk
5. Fortified yeast has plenty of Vitamin B12 in it. 1 tablespoon of fortified yeast has 2.4 mcg of VitB12.
6. Nori’s are dried seaweeds edible in nature. These are rich in VitB12 used by the Japanese.
7. Egg yolks have a high amount of VitB12.
8. Tempered Soya bean cake called Tempeh similar to Tofu is rich in VitB12.
9. Plant-based Vit B12 capsules.
10. Animal beef, liver, kidneys, clams, Salmons, etc. are also good sources of VitB12.
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