Polyneuropathy secondary to nitrous oxide misuse in a case at the Ibrahima Pierre NDIAYE neuroscience clinic, at the Fann national university hospital center
Serigne Abdou Aziz Fall, A. Diop, N. M. Gaye, R. Diagne, A. Sow, M. S. Diop, A. Basse, L. Seck, Moustapha Ndiaye
Global Journal of Medical Research September 26, 2026 DOI: 10.34257/gjmrf276630 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 20-year-old patient with regular recreational nitrous oxide use |
| Interventions | Vitamin B12 supplementation Pregabalin functional rehabilitation |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Measures | Electromyography, plasma methylmalonic acid |
| Key findings | A 20-year-old regular nitrous oxide user developed paresthesia and a peripheral neurogenic syndrome in all four limbs; electromyography showed axonal, predominantly motor-sensory polyneuropathy with a length-dependent course, and plasma methylmalonic acid was elevated. Management with vitamin B12 supplementation, pregabalin, and functional rehabilitation was followed by partial motor recovery after 3 months. |
Abstract
Recreational misuse of nitrous oxide, a laughing gas, has increased sharply among young adults in recent years. This misuse can lead to multiple complications affecting several organs, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Spinal cord and peripheral nervous system disorders are among the neurological complications most often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. We report the case of a 20-year-old patient who regularly took nitrous oxide. He presented with subjective sensory signs of paresthesia. Clinical examination revealed a peripheral neurogenic syndrome of all four limbs. Electromyography showed axonal, predominantly motor-sensory polyneuropathy of all 4 limbs, with a length-dependent course. Biological findings showed an increase in plasma methylmalonic acid. Management was essentially based on vitamin B12 supplementation, introduction of Pregabalin and functional rehabilitation. Progression was favorable, with a partial motor recovery after 3 months.