Rapid sensory motor neuropathy after gastric restriction surgery

Central and peripheral neuropathies have been reported in association with surgery for obesity.

This the case report of a 40-year-old woman who developed a sensory motor neuropathy 3 months after a gastric restriction operation that was followed by 30 kg weight loss. No specific vitamin or mineral deficiency was detected but she improved after treatment with multivitamins and mineral supplementation.

Acute or subacute neuropathy may develop in 1-2 per cent of patients who undergo bariatric surgery. The pathogenesis is not entirely clear but the most common associated factors are rapid weight loss and failure to supplement vitamins and minerals in the diet post-operatively.

8 references.