Nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy

J Foot Surg. 1983 Fall;22(3):222-5.

Abstract

A disabling peripheral myeloneuropathy developed in a health professional with a history of chronic exposure and abuse of nitrous oxide. The distinctive clinical symptoms were radicular sensory loss rather than purely distal, and a "reverse" Lhermitte's sign in the absence of signs of specific spinal cord involvement. The entity of nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy is discussed with a review of the literature, as well as present information regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment. In addition, a case report of nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Hypesthesia / chemically induced
  • Hypesthesia / diagnosis
  • Leg / innervation*
  • Male
  • Muscle Hypotonia / chemically induced
  • Muscles / innervation
  • Nitrous Oxide*
  • Paresthesia / chemically induced
  • Paresthesia / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*

Substances

  • Nitrous Oxide