A Parent's Warning
Nitrous oxide and teenage B12 depletion
Sarah (mother's account)(name changed)
Age 17
“We nearly lost our daughter to something sold legally as 'laughing gas'.”
Sarah (mother's account)'s Journey
The Beginning
I'm sharing this as a warning to other parents. My daughter, like many teenagers, started using nitrous oxide recreationally at parties. We didn't know about it at the time - she thought it was harmless. It's sold legally, and her friends all used it.
The Struggle
One evening, she came home complaining of tingling in her legs. Within a week, she was struggling to walk. She couldn't feel her feet properly and kept falling over. We took her to A&E terrified she had multiple sclerosis or a spinal tumour.
Getting Diagnosed
The neurologist asked immediately about nitrous oxide use. He explained that nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12, causing rapid neurological damage. Her serum B12 was normal, but her MMA was sky-high - the B12 in her body wasn't working. The MRI showed changes in her spinal cord.
Recovery
She was started on high-dose B12 injections daily. The first two weeks were terrifying - we didn't know if she'd walk normally again. Slowly, over months, feeling returned to her legs. She can walk now, but she still has some numbness in her feet.
Where I Am Now
Nine months on, she's mostly recovered but may have some permanent nerve damage. She's committed to raising awareness among her peers. We want parents and young people to know that nitrous oxide isn't harmless.
Journey Timeline
Summer 2023
Regular nitrous oxide use at parties
Autumn 2023
Numbness and difficulty walking developed rapidly
Autumn 2023
A&E visit, emergency neurology referral
Winter 2023
Intensive B12 treatment, slow recovery
2024
Still recovering, some permanent damage
Advice to Others
Sarah (mother's account)'s recommendations for those facing similar challenges
- Nitrous oxide ('laughing gas', 'nos') rapidly depletes functional B12
- Even occasional use can cause neurological damage
- Symptoms develop rapidly - seek help immediately
- Serum B12 can be normal - MMA testing is essential
- Talk to teenagers about this risk - they often think it's safe
Important Warning
- Nitrous oxide is a growing cause of B12-related neurological damage in young people
Key Facts
Cause
Nitrous oxide inactivation of B12
Time to Diagnosis
2 months
Initial B12 Level
245 ng/LNormal range but functionally deficient - nitrous oxide inactivates B12
Current Status
Mostly recovered with some residual numbness, raising awareness
Symptoms Experienced
Tests Performed
- Serum B12 (normal)
- MMA (severely elevated)
- Homocysteine (elevated)
- MRI spine
Treatment
High-dose hydroxocobalamin injections
Daily for 2 weeks, then weekly for 2 months, then every 2 weeks ongoing
Additional supplements:
Methionine
What Helped
- Rapid A&E diagnosis
- Neurologist familiar with nitrous oxide effects
- Intensive B12 treatment
- Family support and physiotherapy
Published: 1 February 2024
Last updated: 20 February 2024
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Medical Disclaimer: This personal story is shared for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. B12 deficiency affects everyone differently. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.