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Laughing gas users risk spine damage, say doctors
Doctors at an east London hospital say they are seeing so many risky cases of laughing gas misuse that they have drawn up treatment guidelines for colleagues in the UK.
Nitrous oxide, sold in metal canisters, is one of the most commonly used drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds.
Heavy use can lead to a vitamin deficiency that damages nerves in the spinal cord.
The Royal London Hospital team say medics need to be on alert.
They have been seeing a new case almost every week.
The guidelines, endorsed by the Association of British Neurologists and written with experts from Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and the Queen Mary University of London, warn doctors what to look for and how to treat.
Source: BBC News, 23 February 2023