# The Effect of Early Pediatric Rehabilitation in an Infant With Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated With Developmental Delay: A Case Report

**Authors:** Pratiksha A Warghat, H. V. Sharath, Raghumahanti Raghuveer

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62648 · 2024-06-18

## TL;DR

This case report shows how early physiotherapy can help infants with vitamin B12 deficiency and developmental delays reach milestones.

## Contribution

The study emphasizes the role of early pediatric rehabilitation in managing B12 deficiency-related developmental delays.

## Key findings

- Early physiotherapy interventions can address motor delays in infants with vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration improves outcomes for children with developmental delays.
- Timely identification and treatment are crucial for maximizing long-term development.

## Abstract

Developmental delay is a multifaceted condition that can hamper a child's ability to attain developmental benchmarks within expected timelines. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been identified as a potentially reversible causative factor and is critical to neurological function, influencing myelination and nerve conduction. Insufficiency during critical developmental stages can lead to motor, cognitive, and language delays. Physiotherapy interventions have been found effective in addressing motor delays associated with both developmental delay and B12 deficiency. Early intervention programs that focus on motor skill development, sensory integration, and adaptive equipment use are among the interventions that physiotherapists provide. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams allows physiotherapists to manage B12 deficiency effectively and provide rehabilitative strategies aimed at maximizing motor function and overall development for long-term health. Early identification and intervention in children with developmental delays is crucial, especially in cases related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Physiotherapy is a critical aspect of addressing motor delays associated with developmental delay and B12 deficiency. By providing early interventions, physiotherapists can help children attain their full potential and attain developmental milestones. In conclusion, this highlights the significance of early identification and intervention in children with developmental delay, especially those with vitamin B12 deficiency, for optimal long-term health.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** vitamin B12 (PubChem CID 73415824)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Insufficiency (MESH:D000309), B12 deficiency (MESH:D014806), motor delays (MESH:D006968), motor, cognitive, and language delays (MESH:D007805), Developmental Delay (MESH:D002658)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11258930/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11258930