TABLE 2.
Demographic data and clinical presentation
| X ± S N/Total N (%) (range) | |
|---|---|
| Sex | 57 male, 53 female |
| Age (y) | 21.4 ± 4.2 (14–33) |
| Duration of N2O abuse (mo) | 12.5 ± 4.2 (0.5–72) |
| Neurological symptoms | |
| Limb numbness or weakness | 107 (97%) |
| All limbs | 70 (64%) |
| Lower limbs | 37 (34%) |
| Difficulty walking | 13 (12%) |
| Headache or dizziness | 9 (8%) |
| Involuntary movements | 7 (6%) |
| Constipation | 5 (5%) |
| Memory loss | 3 (3%) |
| Urinary retention | 3 (3%) |
| Epilepsy | 2 (2%) |
| Foot drop | 2 (2%) |
| Urinary incontinence | 2 (2%) |
| Psychiatric symptoms | |
| Mood disorders | 2 (2%) |
| Insomnia | 3 (3%) |
| Hypersomnia | 1 (1%) |
| Hallucinations | 3 (3%) |
| Personality changes | 1 (1%) |
| Other symptoms | |
| Chest tightness or pain | 5 (5%) |
| Increased appetite | 12 (11%) |
| Decreased appetite | 9 (8%) |
| Skin hyperpigmentation | 3 (3%) |
| Physical examination | |
| Decreased muscle strength | 91 (83%) |
| Superficial sensory disturbances | 88 (80%) |
| Deep sensory disturbances | 70 (64%) |
| Decreased tendon reflex | 78 (71%) |
| Increased tendon reflex | 10 (9%) |
| Positive Romberg's sign | 68 (62%) |
| Positive Babinski sign | 8 (7%) |
Notes: N/Total N (%), abnormal number/total number (%).