Early Diagnosis and Integrated Therapy for Subacute Combined Degeneration: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a rare but reversible neurological disorder caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Timely and appropriate intervention can effectively reverse pathological changes in the spinal cord. However, if left untreated, SCD may lead to permanent nerve damage. Case Report: We present a case study of a 64-year-old female patient with symmetric sensory impairment and progressive weakness in the upper limbs. A diagnosis of SCD was confirmed through detailed evaluation of hematological parameters, including serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels and spinal cord MRI imaging. At the 3-month follow-up and acupuncture, the patient achieved near-complete clinical recovery by 3 months, with biochemical normalization observed at 16 months. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early metabolic and imaging evaluation in SCD and suggests that combined B12 repletion and acupuncture may contribute to sustained functional and biochemical recovery. Longer follow-up is recommended to confirm stability.

Keywords

subacute combined degeneration vitamin B12 homocysteine acupuncture therapy nerve function recovery

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