What neurological symptoms might arise from the long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by diphyllobothriasis?
Answer
Tingling sensations or fatigue
The chronic depletion of Vitamin B12 caused by the residing tapeworm can lead to systemic effects that manifest neurologically, often before gastrointestinal symptoms become obvious. Vitamin B12 is crucial for proper nerve function and the maintenance of healthy blood cells. When stores are significantly compromised by the parasite's continuous absorption, the host can develop symptoms such as persistent fatigue or unusual paresthesias, described as tingling sensations, throughout the body. Recognizing these neurological signs can be the first clue that a long-standing, silent parasitic infection is underway.
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