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Lam L, Koopowitz S, Thompson A, Smith G, Tan S, Gupta A, Kovoor J, Harroud A, Bacchi S, Slee M. A systematic review of the symptomatic management of Lhermitte's phenomenon. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 116:32-36. [PMID: 37603922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lhermitte's phenomenon (LP) is a transient shock-like sensation that radiates down the spine into the extremities, usually with neck flexion. The potential efficacy and tolerability of various symptomatic therapies in the management of LP have not been systematically reviewed previously. METHOD A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 2022 for peer-reviewed articles describing the treatment of patients with Lhermitte's phenomenon. The review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS This systematic review included sixty-six articles, which included 450 patients with LP. Treatment of the underlying cause varied by aetiology. Whilst LP is most commonly considered in the context of structural pathology of the cervical cord, medication-induced LP was a common theme in the literature. The most common cause of medication-induced LP was platinum-based chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In medication-induced LP, symptoms typically resolved with cessation of the causative agent. Non-pharmacological treatment options were associated with mild-moderate symptomatic improvement. The most commonly used agents to treat patients with LP were carbamazepine and gabapentin, which resulted in variable degrees of symptomatic benefit. CONCLUSIONS No randomised studies currently exist to support the use of symptomatic therapies to treat LP. Observational data suggest that some therapies may yield a symptomatic benefit in the management of LP. However, this systematic review identified a significant paucity of evidence in the literature, which suggests that further controlled studies are needed to investigate the optimal management of this common neurologic phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lam
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | | | | | - Georgia Smith
- Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Sheryn Tan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Aashray Gupta
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Joshua Kovoor
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Adil Harroud
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Stephen Bacchi
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Mark Slee
- Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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Khan A, Zafar A, Hamid H, Ahmad B. Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Secondary to Nitrous Oxide Abuse. Cureus 2023; 15:e35341. [PMID: 36974232 PMCID: PMC10039370 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report a case of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord in the setting of nitrous oxide poisoning seen at the Medical Ward, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Our patient was a 28-year-old lady who presented with impaired sensations in the lower limbs and difficulty walking for approximately one and a half months. Her clinical symptoms did not match common neurological conditions. Upon detailed history, she revealed that she had been frequently using nitrous oxide recreationally for several years. Although her baseline investigations were normal, her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed bilateral symmetrical T2 hyperintense signal changes in the dorsal columns extending from C2 to C6 spinal segment. Based on history, clinical findings, and MRI of the cervical spine, the diagnosis of SCD of the spinal cord was made, and her symptoms fully resolved with treatment.
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Buttery C, Birns J, Gibson J, Jones GD. Use of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) in the management of nitrous oxide (N 2O)-induced spinal cord injury. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:16/2/e252529. [PMID: 36750296 PMCID: PMC9906271 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhaled anaesthetic gas and a popular intoxicant. Excessive recreational use can cause spinal cord myelopathy. Previous studies have discussed the medical management. However, none have specified the sensorimotor rehabilitation management. This case report documents the investigations, physical rehabilitation and functional outcomes in two cases of N2O-associated myelopathy. Both presented with lower limb strength and sensorimotor integration impairments resulting in ataxic ambulation. Dorsal column signal abnormality was observed on T2-weighted MRI in one case. Myelopathy was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and both were treated with vitamin B12 Rehabilitation was conceived and specified using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS). Both cases achieved independent indoor gait on hospital discharge, and full function at 9 months in one case. Appropriate and timely medical management and reasoned rehabilitation provided excellent functional outcomes for N2O-related myelopathy. By using the RTSS, reasoned rehabilitation efficacy can be tested in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Buttery
- Physiotherapy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,Physiotherapy Department, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone, UK
| | - Jonathan Birns
- Department of Ageing & Health, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jamie Gibson
- Physiotherapy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,Workforce Transformation, Health Education England (HEE), Leeds, UK
| | - Gareth David Jones
- Physiotherapy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK .,Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS), King's College London, London, UK
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Moya M, Menowsky M, Cruz RA. A Case Report of Subacute Combined Degeneration Due to Nitrous Oxide-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Cureus 2023; 15:e34514. [PMID: 36788992 PMCID: PMC9912992 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is a naturally occurring gas that is colorless, odorless, nonflammable, and nontoxic. It has been used as an inhalant anesthetic in the medical field for more than 150 years for dental and surgical procedures. Due to its wide availability and ability to cause euphoria, its recreational use is on the rise. We present a case of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) due to nitrous oxide-induced vitamin B12 deficiency. The patient presented with bilateral lower extremity paresthesia, weakness, and ataxic gait. The patient was found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. An MRI of the cervical spine revealed an abnormal T2 signal within the cervical spinal cord extending from the level of C2-C6 affecting only the posterior column. On the fifth day of hospitalization, the patient reported that he had been inhaling nitric oxide from whipped cream cans for recreational use. According to his clinical presentation and laboratory and imaging findings, we concluded that the patient had SCD. The patient slowly improved after receiving vitamin B12 supplementation therapy. Patients presenting with paresthesia, weakness, and laboratory studies indicating vitamin B12 deficiency should be questioned about nitrous oxide recreational use since the incidence is increasing.
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Cao J, Ran L, Liu C, Li Z. Serum copper decrease and cerebellar atrophy in patients with nitrous oxide-induced subacute combined degeneration: two cases report. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:471. [PMID: 34863097 PMCID: PMC8643018 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological complication commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. It can result from nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse and cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, there has been no literature regarding alterations of serum copper and cerebellum in SCD patients. Case presentation We reported two cases of young SCD patients with histories of N2O abuse. In these cases, elevated homocysteine, macrocytic anemia, spinal cord abnormalities, and peripheral nerve injuries were detected. In addition, decreased serum copper level and cerebellar atrophy were reported for the first time. The patients’ symptoms improved after withdrawal of N2O exposure and vitamin B12 supplements. Conclusion We reported two SCD cases with serum copper alteration and cerebellar atrophy after N2O abuse for the first time. These might be crucial complements to the diagnosis of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lusen Ran
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Li Y, Dong J, Xu R, Feng F, Kan W, Ding H, Wang X, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhu S, Dong R. Clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide abusers: A single-center experience in a hospital in China. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2416. [PMID: 34775689 PMCID: PMC8671768 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide (N2 O) abusers in a hospital in China, which have not been systematically reported. METHODS The characteristics of patients abusing N2 O who were examined and treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 61 patients (average age: 21.7 ± 3.2 years; 42 male and 19 female) were enrolled; 60.7% of the patients had an education level of high school or lower, and most (59.0%) had no stable occupation. The mean exposure time was 8.5 ± 7.7 months (range: 1-36 months). Only 52.5% of the abusers reported the physician of the relevant exposure history at the first time of visiting the doctor. The main clinical type was mixed (49.2%). The most common clinical manifestation was distal limb numbness (80.3%). The most frequent outcome was peripheral neuropathy (59%) and subacute combined degeneration (36%). Serum homocysteine level was elevated in 67.5% (27/40) of the patients, while 44.4% (20/45) showed reduced vitamin B12. Note that 61% (22/36) showed abnormal signals in the posterior or lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, and 97% (31/32) of the patients showed peripheral nerve damage by electromyography. In all cases, symptoms were alleviated after halting N2 O intake and receiving nutritional neurotherapy. CONCLUSIONS N2 O abuse can lead to nervous system damage, especially peripheral nerve and spinal cord damage. A full understanding of its clinical epidemiological characteristics is helpful for clinicians to make a timely and clear diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Li
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fanfan Feng
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Weihao Kan
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shiguang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ruiguo Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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