Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is required for various processes within the body. It cannot be produced by the body itself and must be obtained through diet or supplements. The initial symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

• Extreme tiredness
• A lack of energy
• Pins and needles
• Muscle weakness
• Inflamed tongue
• Mouth ulcers

However, when left untreated, the symptoms can get increasingly worse, leading to:

• Problems with your vision
• Psychological problems, including mild depression, anxiety, confusion and even dementia
• Problems with memory, understanding and judgement
• Difficulty with balance

In some severe cases, patients can experience nerve damage in the spine which can restrict how well you can walk and carry out your day-to-day activities.

What can B12 deficiency be mistaken for?

B12 deficiency can be misdiagnosed for several reasons and mistaken for many other health disorders. The symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and poor memory, are common and non-specific, and can be linked to other conditions, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognise a B12 deficiency without performing specific tests.

The symptoms of a B12 deficiency can often overlap with many other health disorders. Some symptoms of the deficiency include low mood, cognitive changes, and fatigue, which also links to the mental health disorder, clinical depression. Other disorders that share the same symptoms include folate deficiency as both health disorders have fatigue, cognitive changes, and anaemia.

Because vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are not specific to the condition, it is often undetected or misdiagnosed.

NICE guidelines

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England and Wales. The updated guidelines recommend GPs to consider the possibility of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients exhibiting one symptom or one risk factor.

The focus on recognising risk factors prompts earlier testing and diagnosis, aiming to prevent delays in treatment that could lead to severe consequences for patients, as seen in both our clients’, Jimmy Norman and Charlotte Heywood’s case. These guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing vitamin B12 deficiency, urging healthcare professionals to consider the broader spectrum of symptoms and risk factors in patient assessment.

Can I claim for a vitamin B12 deficiency?

If you suspect that your vitamin B12 deficiency has been misdiagnosed or experienced a delayed diagnosis, it may constitute medical negligence, entitling you to pursue a claim.

Each medical negligence case is unique, and potential compensation may encompass not only the physical and emotional distress but also factors such as loss of earnings and enduring impacts on your overall health and well-being.

Our team of expert medical negligence solicitors is ready to provide guidance and assess your case. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalised advice on your claim.

Why choose our medical negligence solicitors?

Our specialised medical negligence team, led by Emma Doughty, a highly acclaimed solicitor, ensures you receive the rehabilitation, support, and compensation you deserve. With accolades such as two Law Society accreditations and recognition in the Legal 500, our team excel in handling diverse medical negligence cases. We go beyond proving negligence, offering comprehensive support, including access to trained nurses and midwives.

Madeline Seibert supported a client, Charlotte, who had received delayed treatment for her vitamin B12 deficiency. The delay resulted in irreversible damage to her spine and optic nerves, which has left Charlotte having difficulty walking, due to hypersensitivity, serve numbness and pain in her back and impaired vision.

Even though Charlotte is now receiving the treatment needed to manage her Vitamin B12 deficiency, the damage caused to Charlotte will stay with her. The compensation that was secured for Charlotte's claim has helped get her independence back.

If you think you may have experienced a vitamin B12 misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis,

contact one of our medical negligence solicitors.