)
Trouble with balance while standing, especially at nightLeaking urine or losing control of their bladder (called "incontinence)
People with pernicious anemia might also have changes in how they feel and act, including: � �
- Problems with memory and thinking (a condition called "dementia " �)
- Mood problems, such as being cranky or grouchy
Is there a test for pernicious anemia? " � Yes. Doctors use many different blood and urine tests to check for pernicious anemia. � �
How is pernicious anemia treated? " � Pernicious anemia is treated with large doses of vitamin B12. Most of the time, you will get an injection (shot) of vitamin B12 every day for 1 week. A nurse can show you (or a relative or friend) how to give the shots. Then you will need 1 shot per week for 4 weeks, followed by monthly shots of vitamin B12 for the rest of your life. � �
In some cases, vitamin B12 can be taken in different forms, including: � �
- A pill that you swallow
- A tablet that you dissolve under your tongue
- A spray that you breathe in through your nose
These treatments must be taken every single day for the rest of your life. � �
No matter what form of treatment you use, it is very important to keep taking vitamin B12. If you stop, you will get pernicious anemia again in about 3 years. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83066 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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