Myeloneuropathy Following Chronic Abuse of Nitrous Oxide

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 21(4); 2003 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2003;21(4): 432-435.

아산화질소의 만성 남용에 의한 척수신경병증 1예

권영주 , 최윤정 오지영 박기덕 최경규

이화여자대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Myeloneuropathy Following Chronic Abuse of Nitrous Oxide

Young Joo Kwoun

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University

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. Key Words: Nitrous oxide abuse, Vitamin B12, Myeloneuropathy"