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Subacute combined degeneration of the cord is a condition of the spinal cord that develops due to the nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12
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People who are vegetarians are more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency, and hence must be on the lookout for the symptoms
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The clinical presentation includes tingling and numbness, or pin pricking sensations in the upper and lower limbs
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The normal reflexes like knee-jerk reflex, ankle reflex are lost in this condition due to its effects on the spinal cord
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A person with subacute combined degeneration of the cord loses the sense of vibration and position, and develops a typical weakness
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Not only the upper and lower limbs, SCD also affects the eyes, causing optic atrophy and irritability that is prominent in the late stages
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It is often more diffuse than focal, and the signs and symptoms are symmetrical. Low levels of vitamin B12 confirm the diagnosis
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Vitamin B12 replenishment is the treatment of choice, which may be given as an intramuscular injection or taken via oral supplementation
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If you are a vegetarian, you can include milk and other dairy products as sources of vitamin B12 in your diet like cheese and yoghurt
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Non-vegetarian foods like liver, salmon, fish and especially eggs can be a great addition to your diet to prevent and manage this deficiency