Razaq J, Qureshi S. Recreational nitrous oxide abuse causing B12 deficiency with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: A case report.
J Family Med Prim Care 2020;
9:5772-5775. [PMID:
33532431 PMCID:
PMC7842470 DOI:
10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1630_20]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) is a growing public health concern. Increasing numbers of young individuals are presenting to accident emergency departments complaining of adverse neurological symptoms as a result of N2O induced vitamin B12 deficiency. Despite its increasing popularity, many are still not aware of its devastating potential to cause a myriad of severe longstanding neurological impairment. Herein we present a case that highlights the effects of N2O abuse and the best way to investigate and manage such patients.
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