My husband has just been diagnosed with copper deficiency, something the neurologists say is extremely rare. He is only 28 years old and has been perfectly healthy all his life then one evening he said his knee was tingling and he thought he had been bitten by something, although we couldn't find any signs of such. By the next morning his entire leg was numb. We went to his family doctor who was thinking he may have a pinched nerve. After his follow-up he was referred to a neurologist because it was now also in his left arm. After 5 long days of test and medications he was discharged home because the hospital couldn't find anything wrong, however they noted his condition had gotten worse. He was unable to walk without the aide of a walker and had developed a stutter and multiple other problems while in the hospital. I was not pleased with his being d/c'd but I just wanted to get him out of there. So we did and the next day he was even worse so I took him to my local hospital where I also work and the neurologist saw him there. Within 30 minutes he had a diagnosis, they infused copper (that had to be rushed from another hospital) and within 4 days he can now walk without the aide of a walker. I was researching this defficiency when I stumbled among this sight and thought possibly I could get more information. The neurologist said only about 100 cases have ever been reported. We are trying to find what caused this. Anyone have any info or recommended sites, I would appreciate it?

I found some info sites for you-
http://copperinfo.com/health/deficiencies.html
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch155/ch155c.html
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C542179.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...nt-copper.html
http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/minerals/copper.htm

If you don't figure out how it happened and it happens again - you might try Naturopath or Homeopathic care.
http://www.naturopathic.org/
http://www.holisticmed.com/www/naturopath.html
http://www.holisticmed.com/
http://www.homeopathic.com/articles/finding_care/
http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/

Jo, you are a wonder! Welcome Mrs.Lee, I'm so glad you found us.

Welcome to NT, Mrslee I'm sure you'll find the information you need here as well as the compassionate support.

I have never heard of copper deficiency, so I went to the first link jo gave you. I couldn't help but notice that one of the best sources of dietary copper is chocolate!! whooo-hooo, what a way to help solve a problem!

Mrslee

Jo is really on it...looks like she gave you some great sites to check out.

I'm sorry your husband is going through this... sounds very frightening.

I'm glad you found us!! If there is anything we can do to help you find your way around here please let us know.


Abbie

Hi Mrslee. What a frightening experience for you guys. When doctors have no clue what's going on, well...you just feel lost. I'm so glad a neurologist where you work was able to figure it out.

I did a search here on copper deficiency and found threads all across numerous forums so I'm not sure where to send you in NeuroTalk. Though Jo gave you some great links to check out.

This place is great for support, wonderful people. So jump in anywhere, anytime!



If you have any problems with navigation, just let us know.

Welcome to NeuroTalk, MrsLee! It looks like Jo has offered you a terrific springboard to get started. Up in the blue control bar we have a nifty search engine that can lead you to additional discussions.

I'm glad you've found us and hope you'll find NT a friendly, helpful site!

It sounds like you and your husband have been thru a very trying time.

Copper deficiency is pretty rare. And in an adult...suggests that it was acquired.
A genetic defect would present when very young.

We had another poster who had this event also:
You can read here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ghlight=copper

Since the copper infusion worked...and your husband is better, now is the time to look for WHY...

Was he poisoned with zinc. Excess zinc will deplete copper.
Also very low copper will result in severe anemia..and blood tests should show this. Is your husband using drugs that deplete copper? The reference I use shows that anti-retrovirus drugs do deplete this nutrient. Some of these drugs also deplete other nutrients which may be additive. You can PM me for privacy if you like, and I will look that up for you.

Medicine does not yet understand all the genetic reasons stuff happens to adults. Cancer and certain B-complex deficiencies are examples of genetic errors. Sometimes genetic errors that are seen in very young babies are delayed and show up in adults. Also in adults exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, triggers an event.