Korean J Neuromuscul Disord.  2021 Dec;13(2):33-35. 10.46518/kjnmd.2021.13.2.33.

Polyneuropathy Following Nitrous Oxide Abuse

• Seo JY
• Kim Y
• Lee Jw
• Bae JS

• KMID: 2523950
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.46518/kjnmd.2021.13.2.33

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), an anesthetic gas, has been abused by some people for entertainment purposes. Recently, N₂O (under the name of "Happy Balloon") abuse has become problematic among young people in Korea. N₂O intoxication can develop a neuropathy, as well as other systemic disorders, either by inactivating vitamin B12 or by a direct neurotoxic mechanism. Here, we report a case of peripheral neuropathy with possible coexisting myelopathy following N₂O abuse.

Keyword

Nitrous oxide, Vitamin B12,Polyneuropathy