Abstract | PURPOSE: CASES REPORT: Three young patients aged from 18 to 24, one male and two females, were diagnosed with progressive ascending numbness in four limbs or both legs and ataxia. They all had been inhaling nitrous oxide from whipped-cream containers for several months. A cervicothoracic magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed long segmental hyperintensity changes at the posterior column of the spinal cord. Serological examination showed a low level of vitamin B12. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord was diagnosed and the etiology was considered related to nitrous oxide misuse. Their neurological status, neuroimage, and neurophysiologic condition improved after vitamin B12 supplementation and cessation of nitrous oxide inhalation. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Ru-Jen Lin, Hoi-Fong Chen, Yang-Chyuan Chang, Jen-Jen Su |
Journal | Acta neurologica Taiwanica
(Acta Neurol Taiwan)
Vol. 20
Issue 2
Pg. 129-37
(Jun 2011)
ISSN: 1028-768X [Print] China (Republic : 1949- ) |
PMID | 21739392
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Nitrous Oxide
- Vitamin B 12
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Female
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(methods)
- Male
- Nitrous Oxide
(poisoning)
- Spinal Cord Diseases
(chemically induced, complications)
- Subacute Combined Degeneration
(chemically induced, complications)
- Vitamin B 12
(metabolism)
- Young Adult
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