Neurologic complications of gastric partitioning.

Six patients who had gastric reduction for morbid obesity suffered severe complex neurologic disturbances that included confusion and inappropriate behavior. All were profoundly weak or paraplegic, and recovery was delayed and incomplete. Encephalopathy was documented by EEG and neurologic examination. The cause is uncertain. Acute catabolism of lipid may predispose to damage of the nervous system, but relative vitamin deficiency is a more obvious and treatable explanation.