“Can copper deficiency cause short-term memory loss and paresthesia of the face? ”
I am a 32 year old woman and I am suffering from short term memory loss. I am also suffering from paresthesia bilaterally along my face which starts from the upper part of my mouth. I have done all possible tests suggested by the doctor including an MRI scan. The only cause of concern I found was low copper levels. Could that be a cause of my condition?
6 Answers
PsychiatristParesthesia
Copper is an essential trace element vital for numerous physiological processes, including the functioning of the nervous system. Deficiency in copper can lead to various neurological manifestations, some of which may align with the symptoms you're experiencing.
Copper deficiency can result in several neurological issues, primarily due to its role in maintaining the health of the nervous system. The most commonly reported neurological symptoms include:
Myelopathy: This refers to a disorder of the spinal cord. Patients often present with difficulty walking, balance problems, numbness, and paresthesia (tingling sensations), usually in the legs. On physical examination, there may be reduced vibration and proprioception senses, spasticity, and hypoesthesia in the distal portions of the limbs. The onset is generally subacute, developing over weeks to months.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness, typically starting in the extremities and potentially progressing inward toward the torso. These symptoms can become disabling if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
Optic Neuropathy: Some patients with copper deficiency have reported vision and color loss, usually in the peripheral fields of vision. This bilateral vision loss is typically gradual and may be associated with nerve fiber layer loss, suggesting optic neuropathy or neurodegeneration.
Paresthesia and Copper Deficiency
Paresthesia, characterized by tingling or prickling sensations, is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy resulting from copper deficiency. While paresthesia often begins in the extremities, there have been reports of facial involvement. For instance, a case study described a patient with copper deficiency presenting with severe tetraparesis and painful paresthesias, including facial involvement.
Cognitive Impairment and Copper Deficiency
Cognitive issues, including memory loss, have been associated with copper deficiency. Copper is integral to brain health, and its deficiency can lead to neurological problems. Some studies have indicated that individuals with certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, have low brain levels of copper. However, the relationship between copper levels and cognitive function is complex and not fully understood.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing copper deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:
Serum Copper and Ceruloplasmin Levels: Low levels of these proteins are indicative of copper deficiency.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Anemia and neutropenia are common hematological manifestations of copper deficiency.
MRI Imaging: In cases of myelopathy, MRI may show increased T2 signal in the posterior columns of the spinal cord.
Treatment typically involves copper supplementation, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the deficiency. It's crucial to identify and address any underlying causes, such as malabsorption issues or excessive zinc intake, which can interfere with copper absorption. Hematological abnormalities often resolve within weeks of copper supplementation, while neurological symptoms may take longer to improve and, in some cases, may not fully resolve.
Copper deficiency can result in several neurological issues, primarily due to its role in maintaining the health of the nervous system. The most commonly reported neurological symptoms include:
Myelopathy: This refers to a disorder of the spinal cord. Patients often present with difficulty walking, balance problems, numbness, and paresthesia (tingling sensations), usually in the legs. On physical examination, there may be reduced vibration and proprioception senses, spasticity, and hypoesthesia in the distal portions of the limbs. The onset is generally subacute, developing over weeks to months.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness, typically starting in the extremities and potentially progressing inward toward the torso. These symptoms can become disabling if not correctly diagnosed and treated.
Optic Neuropathy: Some patients with copper deficiency have reported vision and color loss, usually in the peripheral fields of vision. This bilateral vision loss is typically gradual and may be associated with nerve fiber layer loss, suggesting optic neuropathy or neurodegeneration.
Paresthesia and Copper Deficiency
Paresthesia, characterized by tingling or prickling sensations, is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy resulting from copper deficiency. While paresthesia often begins in the extremities, there have been reports of facial involvement. For instance, a case study described a patient with copper deficiency presenting with severe tetraparesis and painful paresthesias, including facial involvement.
Cognitive Impairment and Copper Deficiency
Cognitive issues, including memory loss, have been associated with copper deficiency. Copper is integral to brain health, and its deficiency can lead to neurological problems. Some studies have indicated that individuals with certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, have low brain levels of copper. However, the relationship between copper levels and cognitive function is complex and not fully understood.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing copper deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:
Serum Copper and Ceruloplasmin Levels: Low levels of these proteins are indicative of copper deficiency.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Anemia and neutropenia are common hematological manifestations of copper deficiency.
MRI Imaging: In cases of myelopathy, MRI may show increased T2 signal in the posterior columns of the spinal cord.
Treatment typically involves copper supplementation, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the deficiency. It's crucial to identify and address any underlying causes, such as malabsorption issues or excessive zinc intake, which can interfere with copper absorption. Hematological abnormalities often resolve within weeks of copper supplementation, while neurological symptoms may take longer to improve and, in some cases, may not fully resolve.
Have you seen a neurologist? Please do if you haven’t.
That could be because of deficiency or even excess of any of the supplemental vitamins and elements including copper. It may not be the total cause of your condition, but getting levels up to the normal level would surely help.
Copper is essential in traces for the well-functioning of the body, including the nervous system. Our diet tends to be low on copper. Here are the products that will increase your copper: potatoes, peas, beans, green vegetables, whole grains, sunflower seeds. Peanut butter and dark chocolate also contain copper.
yes.
Copper deficiency is rare and present with hematological as well as neurological symptoms. Depending on the cause of deficiency it can be corrected. It be genetic or after GI surgery. Please consult appropriate provider for treatment.
