Neurologic complications of anorexia nervosa

The records of 100 patients with anorexia nervosa were reviewed. Neurologic complications were present in 47 patients. Neuromuscuiar abnormalities were most common and were present in 45% of patients. Generalized muscle weakness was detected in 43% of patients and peripheral neuropathies in 13%. Less common neurologic complications included headaches (6%), seizures (5%), syncope in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (4%), diplopia (4%), and movement disorders (2%). Neurologic problems due to chronic deficiency diseases were rare; only one patient had symptoms directly attributable to a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and none had evidence of Wernicke's encephalopathy. In most patients, the neurologic complications were reversed completely after correction of nutritional deficiencies and fluid and electrolyte imbalances.