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. 2010 Feb;22(1):88-90.
doi: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2009.01262.x.

Peripheral neuropathy following nitrous oxide abuse

Philip G Richardson  1
Affiliations

Peripheral neuropathy following nitrous oxide abuse

Philip G Richardson. Emerg Med Australas. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Undifferentiated neurological presentations are not uncommon to the ED. Vitamin B (12) deficiency can lead to progressive demyelination and axonal lesions on the peripheral nerves and cervicothoracic spinal cord causing a peripheral neuropathy. Nitrous oxide is a common adjuvant to anaesthesia in the ED but it not often thought of as a drug of abuse. A case is reported of prolonged and intensive nitrous oxide abuse that resulted in the development of a peripheral neuropathy.

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