A Case of Fever, Impaired Consciousness, and Psychosis Caused by Nitrous Oxide Abuse and Misdiagnosed as Acute Meningitis

抄録

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is readily available, and its abuse for recreational purposes has become a social problem. In Japan, where N₂O is strictly prohibited for non-medical use, abuse is often overlooked due to a lack of experience in the field. N₂O abuse causes various long-term symptoms, including vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, myelopathy, myeloneuropathy, subacute combined degeneration, mood changes, and psychosis. The diagnosis of N₂O abuse is difficult due to the compound's short half-life and rapid elimination through the lungs. This report describes a case of fever and impaired consciousness in a patient with a history of N₂O abuse.