J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2003 Aug;21(4):432-435.

Myeloneuropathy Following Chronic Abuse of Nitrous Oxide

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Korea. kgyuchoi@hotmail.com

Abstract

Past reports show that chronic abuse has resulted in serious sequalae of myeloneuropathy, optic neuritis and cerebral impairments. A 45-year-old male dentist developed an ascending paresthesia, severe gait ataxia, sensory loss for tactile sensation, proprioception and vibration of the four extremities. Laboratory findings revealed low serum vitamin B12 levels and high levels of homocystein. Our case adds support to previous reports that nitrous oxide could cause neurologic complications by interfering with the utilization of vitamin B12.

Keyword

Nitrous oxide abuse; Vitamin B12; Myeloneuropathy

MeSH Terms

Dentists
Extremities
Gait Ataxia
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nitrous Oxide*
Optic Neuritis
Paresthesia
Proprioception
Sensation
Vibration
Vitamin B 12
Nitrous Oxide
Vitamin B 12
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