Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience
Abstract Background Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is widely recognized for its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and is frequently used in medical contexts. However, its misuse can lead to significant neurological complications, which are often under-recognized in clinical pra...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Neurological Research and Practice |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-024-00361-0 |
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| author | Julius Nicolai Meißner Janina Neuneier Iason Bartzokis Mathias Rehm Ahmad Al-Hayali Marcus Müller Sebastian Paus Volker Limmroth Gereon R. Fink Gabor C. Petzold Louisa Nitsch |
| author_facet | Julius Nicolai Meißner Janina Neuneier Iason Bartzokis Mathias Rehm Ahmad Al-Hayali Marcus Müller Sebastian Paus Volker Limmroth Gereon R. Fink Gabor C. Petzold Louisa Nitsch |
| author_sort | Julius Nicolai Meißner |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is widely recognized for its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and is frequently used in medical contexts. However, its misuse can lead to significant neurological complications, which are often under-recognized in clinical practice. Recent data on such cases in Germany are rare. We here report the spectrum of neurological complications associated with the recreational use of N₂O, as encountered in German neurology centers. Methods We retrospectively analyzed of 23 cases presenting with neurological symptoms following N₂O abuse between July 2020 and August 2024 across five neurology departments in Germany. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and treatment approaches. Results Over the last four years the number of cases increased. Clinical presentations primarily included neuropathy, found in all patients, along with myelopathy. The most common symptoms were sensory loss, ataxia, and motor deficits. Conclusion Our data suggest that N₂O abuse is on the rise in Germany. Further initiatives are warranted to raise awareness among users, healthcare and professionals. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ceea82910ef94262af24926455715034 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2524-3489 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Neurological Research and Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-ceea82910ef94262af249264557150342025-01-19T12:44:33ZengBMCNeurological Research and Practice2524-34892025-01-01711810.1186/s42466-024-00361-0Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experienceJulius Nicolai Meißner0Janina Neuneier1Iason Bartzokis2Mathias Rehm3Ahmad Al-Hayali4Marcus Müller5Sebastian Paus6Volker Limmroth7Gereon R. Fink8Gabor C. Petzold9Louisa Nitsch10Department of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital BonnDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital CologneDepartment of Neurology, Hospital Cologne MerheimDepartment of Neurology, GFO Hospital St. Johannes SieglarDepartment of Neurology, St. Marien-Hospital HammDepartment of Neurology, St. Marien-Hospital HammDepartment of Neurology, GFO Hospital St. Johannes SieglarDepartment of Neurology, Hospital Cologne MerheimDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital CologneDepartment of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital BonnDepartment of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital BonnAbstract Background Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is widely recognized for its anesthetic and analgesic effects, and is frequently used in medical contexts. However, its misuse can lead to significant neurological complications, which are often under-recognized in clinical practice. Recent data on such cases in Germany are rare. We here report the spectrum of neurological complications associated with the recreational use of N₂O, as encountered in German neurology centers. Methods We retrospectively analyzed of 23 cases presenting with neurological symptoms following N₂O abuse between July 2020 and August 2024 across five neurology departments in Germany. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and treatment approaches. Results Over the last four years the number of cases increased. Clinical presentations primarily included neuropathy, found in all patients, along with myelopathy. The most common symptoms were sensory loss, ataxia, and motor deficits. Conclusion Our data suggest that N₂O abuse is on the rise in Germany. Further initiatives are warranted to raise awareness among users, healthcare and professionals.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-024-00361-0Laughing gasN2ONeurological complicationsNeuropathyMyelopathyVitamin-B12 |
| spellingShingle | Julius Nicolai Meißner Janina Neuneier Iason Bartzokis Mathias Rehm Ahmad Al-Hayali Marcus Müller Sebastian Paus Volker Limmroth Gereon R. Fink Gabor C. Petzold Louisa Nitsch Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience Neurological Research and Practice Laughing gas N2O Neurological complications Neuropathy Myelopathy Vitamin-B12 |
| title | Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience |
| title_full | Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience |
| title_fullStr | Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience |
| title_full_unstemmed | Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience |
| title_short | Increase of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders – a German multicenter experience |
| title_sort | increase of nitrous oxide induced neurological disorders a german multicenter experience |
| topic | Laughing gas N2O Neurological complications Neuropathy Myelopathy Vitamin-B12 |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-024-00361-0 |
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