Polyneuropathy Following Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N2O), an anesthetic gas, has been abused by some people for entertainment purposes. Recently, N2O (under the name of "Happy Balloon") abuse has become problematic among young people in Korea. N2O intoxication can develop a neuropathy, as well as other systemic disorders, either by inactivating vitamin B12 or by a direct neurotoxic mechanism. Here, we report a case of peripheral neuropathy with possible coexisting myelopathy following N2O abuse.