Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Secondary to Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Aamir Khan, A. Zafar, H. Hamid, Bilal Ahmad
Cureus February 1, 2023 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35341 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 28-year-old woman with a history of frequent recreational nitrous oxide use |
| Key findings | The authors report that a 28-year-old woman with years of recreational nitrous oxide use developed subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, with lower-limb sensory impairment and difficulty walking. Spinal MRI showed bilateral symmetrical T2 hyperintense dorsal column changes from C2 to C6 despite normal baseline investigations. Her symptoms fully resolved with treatment. |
Abstract
Here, we report a case of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord in the setting of nitrous oxide poisoning seen at the Medical Ward, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Our patient was a 28-year-old lady who presented with impaired sensations in the lower limbs and difficulty walking for approximately one and a half months. Her clinical symptoms did not match common neurological conditions. Upon detailed history, she revealed that she had been frequently using nitrous oxide recreationally for several years. Although her baseline investigations were normal, her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed bilateral symmetrical T2 hyperintense signal changes in the dorsal columns extending from C2 to C6 spinal segment. Based on history, clinical findings, and MRI of the cervical spine, the diagnosis of SCD of the spinal cord was made, and her symptoms fully resolved with treatment.