What Causes Numbness From Cheeks To The Soles Of The Feet?

Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am numb from the cheeks to the soles of my feet. I was treated for B12 deficiency for fifteen years. It has been determined, by a MRI that the discs in my neck ruptured.
Which is likely the cause of my numbness ? B12 deficiency or the discs in my neck ?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
more likely the discs

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

But b12 deficiency should not persist for 15 years despite treatment. And much of the nerve damage in that is reversible. But in case ruptured disc is pressing on the nerves, numbness will persist as long the compression is there.

Hence I feel that it is due to the disc problem.

Hope this helps. I will be available for follow up.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar