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Vitamin B12 deficiency: an unusual cause of vocal fold palsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2011

R Green ,
N Kara  and
H Cocks
R Green*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Tyne and Wear, UK
N Kara
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Tyne and Wear, UK
H Cocks
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Tyne and Wear, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Richard Green, ENT Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland SR4 7TP, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

We report an extremely rare case of vocal fold palsy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Method:

Case report and English-Language review of the world literature concerning vitamin B12 deficiency and its neurological manifestations. We discuss the physiological role of vitamin B and its specific relationship to the presented patient's symptoms.

Results:

We describe a rare instance of a patient presenting with bilateral lower limb weakness and unilateral vocal fold palsy, as a manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Quick recognition and treatment resulted in a full recovery.

Discussion:

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unilateral vocal fold palsy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. Central and peripheral neuropathies have been described; however, other than the optic nerve, the cranial nerves are very rarely affected. It is important to consider vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause, as speedy identification and treatment can help prevent permanent neurological damage.

Keywords

LarynxVocal Cord ParalysisVitamin B12
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 12 , December 2011 , pp. 1309 - 1311
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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Footnotes

Presented as a poster at the North of England ENT Meeting, 25 September 2009, Sunderland, UK

References

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