Can copper deficiency cause short-term memory loss and paresthesia of the face?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27 year old female, and I have severe short-term memory loss (8/30 MMSE). I have paresthesia bilaterally on my face, which has spread from the upper part to around my mouth. I also have startle myoclonus and muscle stiffness. My walking speed has slowed, and the muscles in my face are not working properly. My expression is massively reduced. Last year, I had lots of tests including a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The only abnormality that was found was that I had a copper deficiency. Since then my memory has deteriorated, and my walking has slowed massively. I saw a doctor when the sensations on my face began to spread, and he advised to consult a neurologist urgently. But my general practitioner (GP) will not order it, and I have nowhere to turn. I am hoping someone can give me some objective or an independent advice. Current medications that I take are Cyclizine IM, Pregabalin 50, Baclofen 10 mg, Co-codamol, and Quetiapine 150 mg at night for severe insomnia.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Copper deficiency is a known cause for non-compressive myelopathy, which can explain your muscle stiffness, slowed walking, and clonus in legs. But startle myoclonus is a different thing. It might be a flexor spasm in legs, which someone interpreted as startle myoclonus. But your new symptoms like memory loss and paresthesias on face require further evaluation. It will be better if you can visit a neurologist in person for a detailed history and full clinical examination to analyze your symptoms. It will be very difficult for anyone to compile your symptoms without examining.