Young man suffers cervical spinal cord injury from abuse of laughing gas

A 20-year-old man in Ho Chi Minh City has been hospitalized with severe neurological symptoms, including numbness, limb weakness, and a rapid heartbeat, after inhaling over 50 balloons of "laughing gas" (nitrous oxide, N2O) three or four times a week.

Tests conducted at Medlatec Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed that his blood vitamin B12 levels were abnormally low. Further nerve conduction studies indicated widespread nerve damage in all four limbs, leading doctors to suspect acute myelin damage, which affects the protective sheath around nerve fibers.

MRI scans confirmed damage to the posterior column of the cervical spinal cord, specifically from the second to the sixth cervical vertebra. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, a neurology specialist at Medlatec Hospital, stated that this type of spinal cord damage is characteristic of prolonged nitrous oxide abuse. Dr. Tuan explained that extended exposure to N2O gas deactivates vitamin B12 in the body, leading to this spinal cord damage, with early symptoms often presenting as numbness in the hands and feet.

The prognosis for the patient's recovery is good, provided the treatment plan is strictly followed, due to the early diagnosis. Dr. Tuan stressed that if not detected in time, severe nerve damage can result in slow or no recovery. The patient is currently receiving outpatient treatment and will undergo regular follow-up visits, including MRI scans after three to six months, to monitor the recovery of the cervical spinal cord damage.

Laughing gas is described as a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound. Its direct inhalation impacts the nervous system, inducing euphoria, uncontrollable laughter, hallucinations, and making surroundings appear more vibrant.

The Ministry of Health notes that nitrous oxide is typically used in controlled medical settings as an anesthetic and in industrial applications such as solar panel production and increasing engine power. However, the misuse of the gas carries serious risks to both physical and mental health. Long-term abuse, even at low doses, can lead to significant nerve damage, manifesting in symptoms like seizures, numbness, paralysis, behavioral disorders, delusions, and hallucinations.

It is important to note that as of January 1 of this year, laughing gas, shisha, and e-cigarettes are banned substances in Vietnam. Individuals found using or selling these substances face administrative or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the violation.