RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Neurological Recovery Following NOS-SACD

This study is for young people aged 16-40 who have nerve problems like tingling, weakness, or trouble walking, which doctors believe are caused by using nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, a recreational drug, can stop vitamin B12 from working properly, and B12 is essential for healthy nerves. Researchers want to carefully follow patients over 12 months to see how they recover from this nerve damage. This will help doctors better understand the long-term effects of nitrous oxide abuse and find the best ways to support patients in their recovery. The study involves collecting information about your health and progress, mostly from a distance, to make it easier for you to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

19 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

19 Aug 2026

Nitrous Oxide Abuse Subacute Combined Cord Degeneration Neurologic Symptoms Paresthesia B12 Deficiency Vitamin

What is this study about?

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called 'laughing gas', has become a popular recreational drug, especially among young people. It's inexpensive and easy to get, making it the second most commonly used recreational drug in the UK for those aged 16-24. However, using nitrous oxide can have serious health consequences. It stops your body from being able to use vitamin B12 properly, and B12 is vital for keeping your nerves healthy, particularly those in your spinal cord.

When B12 doesn't work as it should, people can develop nerve problems. These might include tingling sensations, muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination, or problems walking. While these issues have been reported in a small percentage of users, doctors believe the true number could be much higher, as more cases are being seen in UK hospitals.

This study aims to understand how people recover from this nerve damage. Previous research on this topic has been limited because it often looked back at past cases, didn't follow people for very long, or only included a small number of patients. This new study will carefully follow young people who have developed nerve problems from nitrous oxide over a full year. By doing this, doctors hope to gain a much clearer picture of how severe these nerve problems can be and discover the best ways to manage patient care and support their recovery. All data collection will be done remotely to make it as easy as possible for participants.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on nerve damage from nitrous oxide use in ages 16-40.
Nitrous oxide can stop vitamin B12 from working, which is vital for nerves.
Researchers want to understand recovery from tingling, weakness, or movement problems.
Participation involves sharing medical info and remote updates for 12 months.
This research helps improve future care for people affected by nitrous oxide's effects.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people between the ages of 16 and 40 who have recently developed nerve problems like tingling, weakness, or trouble with walking or balance. Importantly, a specialist doctor (a neurologist) must have confirmed that these nerve issues are caused by using nitrous oxide.

You also need to be able to read and write in English so you can complete the study questionnaires. The study cannot include you if you have other known causes for nerve damage or similar neurological conditions.

There's a special part of the study that might also involve an interview. For that part, they are particularly interested in talking to people who have experience with mental health difficulties, either currently or in the past.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 40 years old?
Have you used nitrous oxide in the past?
Do you have nerve symptoms like tingling, weakness, or trouble walking?
Has a specialist doctor (neurologist) confirmed your nerve problems are due to nitrous oxide?
Can you read and write in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your journey will begin when you're in the hospital, either after coming in through A&E or being referred by your GP to the neurology team. At this point, the research team will collect important information from your routine hospital tests, like MRI scans and blood tests. They’ll also note any other health conditions you have and the treatments you receive for your nerve damage, including vitamin B12 injections.

For those who have already left the hospital but meet the criteria, you might still be able to join. The researchers will then collect information about your health, usually over the phone or by reviewing your medical notes. Once you give your permission to join (either in writing or verbally), your basic details will be shared securely with the study's main coordinating centre.

Over the next 12 months, the study will mostly involve remote data collection. This means you won't usually need to come back to the hospital specifically for the study. Instead, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires or provide updates remotely, making it convenient for you. This allows the researchers to track your recovery over time with minimal disruption to your life.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't change your medical care; you'll continue to receive your standard treatment for nerve damage caused by nitrous oxide. There are no direct medical benefits for you, and the main benefit is helping doctors and other patients in the future by improving understanding of this condition and how best to manage it. The risks are very low, mainly involving the time it takes to share information, and some personal details will be shared securely with the study coordinating centre to help track your progress. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is nitrous oxide 'abuse'?

It means using nitrous oxide, often called 'laughing gas', for recreational purposes in a way that could harm your health.

What does 'neurological damage' mean?

It refers to harm to your nerves, which can cause symptoms like tingling, numbness, weakness, or problems with movement.

Why is vitamin B12 so important?

Vitamin B12 is crucial for your nerves to work properly. Nitrous oxide can stop your body from being able to use it, leading to nerve damage.

Will my treatment change if I join the study?

No, your medical treatment will remain exactly the same whether you join the study or not. You will receive standard care from your doctors.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study aims to track your recovery for about 12 months, mostly through remote check-ins and questionnaires.

How to find out more

Nikos Evangelou, FRCP, DPhil

nikos.evangelou@nottingham.ac.uk 07715172966 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.