Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord following recreational nitrous oxide use

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Mar 8:2013:bcr2012008509. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008509.

Abstract

We describe a case of a young woman who developed myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy following 1 year of recreational nitrous oxide (N2O) use. She presented with uncomfortable tingling sensation in her feet and poor balance. Physical examination revealed mild weakness and hyper-reflexia in the lower limbs. Proprioception and vibration were absent in the lower limbs. Pinprick and light touch sensations were reduced below the sixth thoracic dermatome. A broad-based gait and a positive Romberg sign were noted. The level of vitamin B12 was low (76 pmol/l). T2-weighted MRI scans showed hyperintensity changes at the posterior column from the second to the fifth cervical vertebrae. She made a full recovery following injections of vitamin B12 and physiotherapy. This case discusses subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord on a background of N2O abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nitrous Oxide / poisoning*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Subacute Combined Degeneration / chemically induced*
  • Subacute Combined Degeneration / rehabilitation
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / pathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Vitamin B 12