Abnormal electrical activity in the brain triggers seizures. Seizures can be caused by a variety of health problems, including epilepsy, tumors, vitamin deficiencies and other abnormalities. Because of its role in maintaining the health of neurons, vitamin B-12 is important for people suffering from seizures. However, vitamin supplements should not be used as a substitute for a doctor's care.
Vitamin B12 Function
Vitamin B-12 has many roles in the body. Vitamin B-12 can be found in animal-based foods and is bound to the protein in these foods and is ultimately absorbed by the intestines. You need adequate amounts of vitamin B-12 to make DNA and to synthesize new red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 also is needed to make myelin. Myelin is a protective covering that covers the nerves in your body and speeds nerve transmissions. A lack of vitamin B-12 can result in nerve damage due to a loss of myelin.
Vitamin B12 and Seizures
If you do not get enough vitamin B-12, you may develop seizures. A case report published in a 2004 issue of "Neurology India" presented the case of a 26-year-old man who developed recurrent seizures. After he was diagnosed with a vitamin B-12 deficiency and was treated with B-12 supplements, the seizures went away. However, this particular manifestation of a vitamin B-12 deficiency is rare.
Anticonvulsants and Vitamin B-12
If you have epilepsy or some other disorder that causes seizures, you may be treated with medications known as anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants help reduce the amount of activity going on in your brain and can help prevent the aberrant electrical currents that cause seizures. Some anticonvulsant medications can deplete the amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. As a result, if you are being treated for seizures, you may need to take vitamin B-12 supplements to prevent a deficiency.
Considerations
Vitamin B-12 is important for the function of your nervous system and a lack of it can cause neurological problems, including seizures. However, seizures due to a vitamin B-12 deficiency are very rare. If you develop seizures, it is essential that you talk to your doctor, as a seizure may be a sign of a serious underlying disorder. Talk to your doctor before treating seizures with vitamin B-12 or any other supplement.
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