Patient was educated on findings to watch for and report in individuals with folate deficiency as follows:
- Neuropathy: Poor DNA synthesis and repair involving the nervous tissues, secondary to folate deficiency, can result in neuropathy. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any new or worsening symptoms of neuropathy, such as, tingling and numbness of hands and feet, altered sensitivity to touch and temperature, radiating burning sensation in extremities, poor coordination and balance, and increased risk for falls & accidents.
- Dizziness and confusion: Brain and nervous tissues are highly dependent on oxygen supply for their normal function. Reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain in folate deficient individuals, can result in headache, dizziness, slowing of thought process, and confusion, which can contribute to increased risk for falls and accidents. Report to your physician regarding any acute increase in confusion and dizziness, with any occurrence of falls and accidents.
- Stunted growth: Folate acts as an essential coenzyme in the body, needed for various metabolic and biologic functions. Folate deficiency can compromise these metabolic functions, resulting in slow and stunted growth, especially in infants and young adults. Caregivers must keep a close watch on the growth patterns of infants and young adults, to report to the physician regarding any growth retardation.
