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Pernicious Anemia: Recognizing and Preventing Irreversible Neurological Damage
Quick Reference for Physicians
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia causes vitamin B12 deficiency that results in neurological impairment. In 30% of cases, it occurs without anemia or macrocytosis. Neuropsychiatric symptoms frequently represent the initial manifestation and include depression, anxiety, paresthesia, gait disturbances, and cognitive impairment. Despite its name suggesting anemia as the primary feature, neurological complications often precede and may occur independently of hematological abnormalities.