Nitrous oxide–induced toxic leukoencephalopathy

Abstract

Toxic leukoencephalopathy (TL) is characterised by an insult to the myelin of the cerebral white manner which can be attributed to a number of offending agents, including drugs of abuse. We report a case of a fit and well young man presenting to hospital with an altered mental state. It was subsequently determined that the patient inhaled a significant volume of nitrous oxide recreationally. Nitrous oxide is easily accessible and the second most consumed drug among young adolescents (16-24 years old). Following extensive investigations and brain imaging, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with TL. After a prolonged hospital admission, he went on to make a complete neurological recovery.