Subacute combined degeneration

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Central nervous system

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord; SCD

Early treatment improves the chances of a good outcome, so the disease should be treated promptly.

Vitamin B-12 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 B-12 injections must continue throughout life to prevent recurrence.

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. Vitamin B-12 injections must be continued for life or symptoms will recur.

Untreated, the disorder results in progressive and irreversible damage to the nervous system.

Complications can include permanent, progressive loss of nerve functions.

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.

Review Date: 07/28/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.