Relapsing neuropathy, cerebral atrophy and folate deficiency. A close association.

The case of a 48-year-old woman with a relapsing radial palsy which followed diarrheic episodes is reported. She had low folate concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as low and borderline values of cerebrospinal fluid and erythrocyte folates. She had chronic gastrointestinal disease with edema of jejunal mucosa. The patient had some degree of cerebral atrophy. The effect of folate therapy on the neuropathy was spectacular. A beneficial effect of the therapy has been observed on both EEG tracings and neuropsychological performances after 6 months of treatment.