Nitrous oxide myelopathy posing as spinal cord injury.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2012
Abstract
The authors describe a patient who presented with acute tetraparesis and a proposed acute traumatic spinal cord injury that was the result of nitrous oxide myelopathy. This 19-year-old man sustained a traumatic fall off a 6-ft high wall. His examination was consistent with a central cord syndrome with the addition of dorsal column impairment. Cervical MRI demonstrated an isolated dorsal column signal that was suggestive of a nontraumatic etiology. The patient's symptoms resolved entirely over the course of 48 hours. Nitrous oxide abuse is increasing in prevalence. Its toxic side effects can mask vitamin B12 and folate deficiency and central cord syndrome. The patient's history and radiographic presentation are key to establishing a diagnosis.
Volume
16
Issue
5
First Page
489
Last Page
491
ISSN
1547-5646
Published In/Presented At
Ghobrial, G. M., Dalyai, R., Flanders, A. E., & Harrop, J. (2012). Nitrous oxide myelopathy posing as spinal cord injury. Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 16(5), 489–491. https://doi.org/10.3171/2012.2.SPINE11532
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
22385084
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article