Which neurological finding is commonly seen in vitamin B12 deficiency causing pernicious anemia?

• A. Stocking-glove paresthesias
• B. Seizures
• C. Memory loss
• D. Visual changes

Answer: (A)

Vitamin B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia often causes demyelination in the dorsal columns and lateral tracts of the spinal cord, leading to subacute combined degeneration. This produces a symmetric distal sensory neuropathy with paresthesias in the feet and hands—the classic stocking-glove distribution. Loss of vibration and position sense can cause ataxia and a positive Romberg, which are typical neuro signs in this deficiency.

Other findings like memory loss or visual changes can occur less specifically, and seizures are not the hallmark feature. The most characteristic neurologic manifestation is this distal symmetric sensory neuropathy, reflecting impaired myelin maintenance from inadequate B12.