Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Induced by Nitrous Oxide Abuse: A Rare Patient Presentation to a Spine Surgery Clinic

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Authors

Jacob Shermetaro, Beaumont Health Resident
Michael Bridges, Beaumont Health Resident
Jonathan Avon, Beaumont Health Resident
Nilesh Patel, Beaumont Health
Brian Vosko, Beaumont Health

Description

Introduction • Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a disease involving the lateral and posterior columns of the spinal cord that can manifest in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. • Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) induced SCD of the spinal cord is a result of N 2 O interfering with the metabolism of vitamin B12 and results in nervous system demyelination 1 • This is an infrequent complication of N 2 O anesthesia however cases are rising with recreational N 2 O use. • Given wide availability of N 2 O, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion when confronting patients with concerning clinical pictures.

Publication Date

5-4-2023

Keywords

subacute degeneration of the spinal core, nitrous oxide, substance abuse

Disciplines

Orthopedics | Surgery

Recommended Citation

Shermetaro J, Bridges M, Avon J, Patel N, Vosko B. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord induced by nitrous oxide abuse: a rare patient presentation to a spine surgery clinic. Presented at Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills 2023 Alvin Yarrows Research Day; 2023 May 4; Farmington Hills, MI.

Comments

2023 Alvin Yarrows Research Day at Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills, Farmington Hills, MI, May 4, 2023.