Chronic exposure to nitrous oxide can cause which neurological condition?

Chronic exposure to nitrous oxide can cause which neurological condition?

• A. Peripheral Neuropathy
• B. Hepatotoxicity
• C. Nephrotoxicity
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 by oxidizing the cobalt center, creating a functional B12 deficiency. This blocks methionine synthase, impairing methylation reactions needed for myelin maintenance. The result is demyelination of peripheral nerves and the spinal cord, producing peripheral neuropathy with symptoms like numbness, tingling, and gait problems. That neuropathic effect is the classic neurological consequence of chronic nitrous oxide exposure. Hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hypertension are not typical neurological outcomes of this mechanism.

Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 by oxidizing the cobalt center, creating a functional B12 deficiency. This blocks methionine synthase, impairing methylation reactions needed for myelin maintenance. The result is demyelination of peripheral nerves and the spinal cord, producing peripheral neuropathy with symptoms like numbness, tingling, and gait problems. That neuropathic effect is the classic neurological consequence of chronic nitrous oxide exposure. Hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hypertension are not typical neurological outcomes of this mechanism.