[Acute neurological disclosure of B12 avitaminosis induced by folic acid administration]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2005 Apr;161(4):477-9. doi: 10.1016/s0035-3787(05)85081-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A paradigmatic case of acute combined spinal cord degeneration and delirium due to inappropriate administration of folic acid in the context of chronic cobalamin deficiency is described. Rapid improvement was obtained with immediate cessation of folate administration and parenteral cobalamin supplementation. Folic acid and cobalamin prescription rules are recalled. Pathophysiological hypotheses tentatively explaining the neurotoxicity of folic acid in case of vitamin B12 deficiency are summarized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / etiology*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / chemically induced*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications*

Substances

  • Folic Acid