Question

A patient presents with complaints of tingling sensation in hands and feet, generalized weakness, easy fatigability, pallor, and ataxia. Deficiency of which vitamin causes these symptoms?

• A. Vitamin B1
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin B2
• D. Vitamin B3

Hint:

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and ataxia. It is often seen in patients with malabsorption disorders, vegan diets, or gastric surgeries.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency leads to beriberi, which presents with neuropathy, muscle weakness, and edema. Dry beriberi (peripheral neuropathy) and wet beriberi (cardiovascular symptoms) are also seen, but B1 deficiency does not usually cause tingling, ataxia, or pallor as described in this case.
Vitamin B12: This is the correct answer. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes peripheral neuropathy, tingling, numbness in the hands and feet, weakness, fatigue, pallor, and ataxia. It is also associated with megaloblastic anemia and can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms. This is the classic presentation of B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency can cause angular cheilitis, stomatitis, and glossitis, but it is not typically associated with the symptoms described in this case, such as tingling, ataxia, and pallor.
Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency leads to pellagra, which presents with the 3 D's: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. It is not typically associated with the neurological symptoms described in this case. Thus, the correct answer is Vitamin B12 (2), as it is most commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, weakness, and pallor.