21 year old ate THIS DIET and it caused BRAIN DAMAGE: Medical Case Report

Summary

James, a 21-year-old university student, begins experiencing leg pain and swelling, which is later diagnosed as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, over time, his condition worsens with symptoms like difficulty concentrating, leg weakness, and numbness. A comprehensive evaluation reveals a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, caused by his restricted diet. The deficiency leads to neurological symptoms and an increased risk of blood clots. After starting B12 injections, his symptoms improve, though he continues to face challenges with his diet. This case highlights the importance of a balanced diet and the potential consequences of overlooked nutritional deficiencies.

Takeaways

• 😀 James is a 21-year-old university student with no previous medical issues, but develops pain and swelling in his leg, which leads to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• 🩸 Despite being diagnosed with DVT, James' symptoms worsen with leg weakness, numbness, tingling, and concentration problems, prompting further medical investigation.
• 🧠 Neurological examination reveals James has sensory nerve issues and an abnormal walking pattern, leading doctors to suspect a more complex condition.
• 🔬 Blood tests and imaging reveal James has large red blood cells and brain atrophy, with lesions in his white matter, which are indicative of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health, red blood cell production, and proper brain function. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms and blood clotting problems.
• 💡 B12 deficiency can also elevate homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
• 🍞 James’ picky eating habits, particularly avoiding most food textures and limiting his diet to bread, fries, and Cheerios without milk, likely led to his B12 deficiency.
• 🌍 The amount of vitamin B12 added to cereals varies by country. In Canada, products like Cheerios do not fortify with B12, which may have contributed to James' deficiency.
• 💊 Treatment for B12 deficiency involves regular B12 injections. James begins daily injections, progressing to weekly and monthly treatments as his symptoms improve.
• 💪 Over time, James' symptoms gradually resolve, but he must continue B12 supplementation for life to prevent recurrence of the deficiency and associated health issues.

Q & A

What is the main health issue James faced in the video?

James was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in his leg, which led to several neurological symptoms related to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Why did James develop a deep vein thrombosis at a young age?

The doctors initially suspected a genetic cause for his blood clot, but after testing, no genetic issues were found, except for a high mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which is linked to larger red blood cells.

What unusual symptoms did James experience after the DVT diagnosis?

James began experiencing trouble concentrating, weaker legs, and numbness and tingling in his feet, which persisted and worsened over time.

What did the neurologists suspect was wrong with James after observing his symptoms?

The neurologists suspected a sensory nerve problem, as James showed signs of weakness, poor sensation in his feet, and difficulty maintaining balance.

What did the MRI of James' brain reveal?

James' brain MRI revealed significant atrophy (shrinkage) and lesions in the white matter, which were consistent with severe vitamin B12 deficiency.

How does vitamin B12 deficiency explain the symptoms James was experiencing?

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to nerve damage, including the myelin sheath (nerve insulation) damage, causing weakness, sensory issues, and difficulty concentrating. It also leads to large red blood cells and increased homocysteine levels, which increase the risk of blood clots.

What role does vitamin B12 play in the body?

Vitamin B12 is essential for producing myelin, which insulates nerves, and for maintaining normal red blood cells. It also helps in converting homocysteine into a safer form, preventing blood clotting issues.

What was the cause of James' vitamin B12 deficiency?

James' vitamin B12 deficiency was most likely caused by his restrictive diet, which lacked animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs, all primary sources of vitamin B12.

How did James' diet contribute to his health problems?

James' picky eating habits led to an insufficient intake of vitamin B12, which contributed to his blood clot, neurological symptoms, and cognitive difficulties.

What was the treatment for James' vitamin B12 deficiency?

James received vitamin B12 injections, starting with daily doses, then weekly, and later monthly, which gradually resolved his symptoms over the course of a couple of years.