
Recreational nitrous oxide abuse causing B12 deficiency with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord: A case report
Author(s) -
Jazeb Razaq,
Saffan Qureshi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of family medicine and primary care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2278-7135
pISSN - 2249-4863
DOI - 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1630_20
Subject(s) - medicine , subacute combined degeneration , vitamin b12 , nitrous oxide , recreation , adverse effect , intensive care medicine , anesthesia , political science , law
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) 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 N 2 O 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 N 2 O abuse and the best way to investigate and manage such patients.