SHORT-TERM PLEASURE WITH LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES: NEUROLOGICALMANIFESTATIONS FOLLOWING NITROUS OXIDE USE

Abstract

Abuse of nitrous oxide (N₂O) is associated with various neurological complications, including peripheral neuropathy, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, and demyelinating diseases. The two clinical cases presented demonstrate different manifestations of N₂O-neuropathy: the first case involves a female patient with severe motor dysfunction and normal serum vitamin B12 levels, in whom immunomodulatory therapy was effective, suggesting an additional inflammatory component; the second case involves a male patient with moderate sensory and motor dysfunction associated with low B12 levels, who responded quickly to standard replacement therapy. The data highlight the heterogeneity of N₂O-neuropathy and the need for an individualized therapeutic approach, including assessment of motor severity, serum B12, and a possible immune component. Early recognition and timely intervention are critical for optimizing the functional outcome.