Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

Do Not Remove This Text

Related Content


 

Subacute combined degeneration - Symptom

Alternative Names

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord; SCD

Symptoms:

Symptoms include:

  • Abnormal sensations (tingling and numbness)
  • Weakness of the legs, arms, middle of the body, or other areas

These symptoms slowly get worse and are usually felt on both sides of the body.

Other symptoms include:

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. An exam usually shows muscle weakness and sensation disturbances on both sides of the body. Reflexes are often abnormal. Muscles may develop spasticity. You may have a reduced sense of touch, pain, and temperature.

Mental changes range from mild forgetfulness to complete dementia or psychosis. Severe dementia is uncommon, but in some cases, it is the first symptom of the disorder.

An eye exam may show damage to the optic nerve, a condition called optic neuritis. Signs of nerve inflammation may be seen during a retinal exam. There may also be abnormal pupil responses, decreased visual acuity, and other changes.

Blood tests, including acomplete blood count (CBC), are used to diagnose anemia or a B12 deficiency.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/22/2007
  • Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.