Subacute ascending numbness

Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014 Sep-Oct;52(8):905-6. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2014.953170.

Abstract

A 21-year-old male presented with two weeks of ascending numbness involving all 4 limbs, and imbalance when walking. Examination revealed diminished vibration and proprioception at the fingers, toes, and ankles, a high steppage gait and a positive Romberg sign. He had no weakness in any muscle groups. Laboratory data included vitamin B12 218 pg/mL (normal range: 200-800 pg/mL), homocysteine 87 μmol/L (normal range: 2.2-13.2 μmol/L), and non-reactive RPR. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed abnormal T2-weighted hyperintensity along the posterior columns extending from C2 to C7.

Keywords: CNS and psychological; CNS/Psychological; Metabolic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypesthesia / chemically induced
  • Hypesthesia / pathology*
  • Illicit Drugs / toxicity
  • Inhalation Exposure
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nitrous Oxide / toxicity*
  • Proprioception / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 12 / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Homocysteine
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Vitamin B 12