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Subacute combined degeneration |
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| Alternative Names: | Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord; SCD
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| Treatment: | Early treatment improves the chances of a good outcome, so the disease should be treated promptly.
Vitamin B12 is given, usually by intramuscular injection, in large doses. Injections are often given daily for about 1 week, then weekly for about 1 month, then monthly. Vitamin B12 injections must continue throughout life to prevent recurrence.
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| Expectations (prognosis): | Response to treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present before treatment. Treatment within a few weeks usually results in complete recovery. If symptoms have been present for longer than 1 or 2 months, partial recovery can be expected. If symptoms have been present for many months, progression of symptoms may be slowed or stopped, but recovery of lost function is unlikely. B12 injections must be continued lifelong or symptoms will recur.
Untreated, the disorder results in progressive and irreversible damage to the nervous system.
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| Complications: | Complications can include permanent, progressive loss of nerve functions.
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| Calling your health care provider: | Call your health care provider if abnormal sensations, muscle weakness, or other symptoms of subacute combined degeneration develop, particularly if there is a personal or family history of pernicious anemia or other risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chance of a good outcome.
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Review Date: 11/9/2001
Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD, FRCPC, Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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