Past reports show that chronic abuse has resulted in serious sequalae of myeloneuropathy, optic neuritis and cerebral impairments. A 45-year-old male dentist developed an ascending paresthesia, severe gait ataxia, sensory loss for tactile sensation, proprioception and vibration of the four extremities. Laboratory findings revealed low serum vitamin B12 levels and high levels of homocystein. Our case adds support to previous reports that nitrous oxide could cause neurologic complications by interfering with the utilization of vitamin B12.
Dentists ; Extremities ; Gait Ataxia ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitrous Oxide* ; Optic Neuritis ; Paresthesia ; Proprioception ; Sensation ; Vibration ; Vitamin B 12