Eye myoclonus: A rare manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Masri, Amira

Affiliations: Jordan University and Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan

Note: [] Correspondence: Amira T. Masri, MD, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Jordan university hospital, PO Box (1612-code 11941), Amman, Jordan. E-mail: masriamira69@hotmail.com

Abstract: Abnormal movements including tremor and myoclonus have been described in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency before or upon initiation of treatment with vitamin B12. We report here a case of vitamin B12 deficiency in an infant who presented first with chaotic rotatory eye movements (myoclonus) followed by the appearance of tremors in the tongue, palate, upper and lower limbs. All the abnormal movements disappeared spontaneously within a period of six weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vitamin B12 deficiency presenting with myoclonus in the eyes.

Keywords: Vitamin B12, eye myoclonus, tremor, abnormal movements

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 49-51, 2006