Can Nitrous Oxide Cause Seizures? Recorded Cases and Why it Happens

Nitrous oxide is cheap, accessible, and usually legal. So, it’s safe, right? A wealth of evidence would suggest not.

Nitrous oxide, also commonly known as ‘nos,’ ‘nangs,’ ‘whippets,’ ‘laughing gas,’ ‘nitro,’ and ‘hippy crack,’ is an odorless gas used far and wide as a sedative for medical procedures, a whipping agent in the hospitality industry, and a fuel booster for cars.

However, it didn’t gain its multitude of street names for these reasons—people are inhaling nitrous oxide worldwide to experience the drug’s distortive effects.

Alongside this ‘high,’ users report various side effects after inhaling nitrous oxide. Are seizures one of these? Find out below.

Please note that inhalation and recreational use of nitrous oxide can pose significant risks to your health. We strongly recommend you avoid using nitrous oxide without proper medical supervision or consultation with a licensed health professional.

Can Nitrous Oxide Cause Seizures? A Closer Look

Multiple case studies report seizures after inhaling nitrous oxide of various concentrations (50%–70%). Evidence suggests that this effect occurs due to oxygen deprivation to the brain.

Based on the research, although rare, seizures are a possibility when nitrous oxide is abused.

Below we discuss instances whereby seizures from nitrous oxide use has occurred, starting with those reported in the medical field.

To skip directly to findings of seizures from recreational nitrous oxide abuse, click here.

Nitrous Oxide in Medical Settings

One case study describes a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and hypermobility.

After inhaling a 50:50 nitrous oxide/oxygen sedative mix called Entonox in preparation for a joint injection, she had a seizure. She displayed:

• Eye flickering
• Sporadic staring
• Non-response to commands.

This lasted 45 minutes, even after medical professionals removed the nitrous oxide inhalant.

Notably, similar findings were also reported involving a 7-month-old girl receiving medical treatment for hip dysplasia while inhaling nitrous oxide in oxygen.

Animal Testing

Animal models also show that nitrous oxide provokes seizures in cats, and mice have withdrawal seizures after limited nitrous oxide exposure.

However, researchers haven’t replicated these findings in human samples.

Expert Opinions

While experts claim that nitrous oxide-related seizures are rare, the evidence does suggest it occurs in some instances. Some postulate this is down to nitrous oxide’s effect on bodily oxygen levels.

Inhalation of high concentrations of N2O can cause oxygen starvation, which may lead to seizures. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke support this idea—they highlight the risk of seizures due to severe hypoxia.

The case studies we’ve explored all involve medicinal use. What about when the drug is used recreationally? Are seizures a possible risk for recreational nitrous oxide abuse?

Are Seizures a Risk for Recreational Nitrous Oxide Abuse?

Just like in the medical field, the recreational use of nitrous oxide can lead to seizures.

If nitrous oxide seizures are, in fact, caused by oxygen starvation to the brain (as suggested by various reputable sources), certain inhalation practices pose a higher risk than others.

These include:

• Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister or tank.
• Placing a nitrous oxide-filled bag over the head.
• Filling an enclosed space with nitrous oxide to inhale.

It's important to note that, regardless of inhalation method, all forms of nitrous oxide use without medical supervision or consultation with a licensed health practitioner is considered unsafe and strongly discouraged.

Nitrous oxide recreational use may also pose a particular risk to those with cardiac disease, epilepsy, or other co-morbidities due to the effects the gas can have on the respiratory and cardiac systems, as well as the possibility of seizures.

A study by Randhawa and Bodenham highlights the severity of risk with recreational N2O use.

They claim that, due to the easy accessibility of the drug, plus the perception of safety fostered by many users, nitrous oxide is becoming an increasing public health issue.

Signs of Nitrous Oxide Overdose

All drug use comes with its risks, including nitrous oxide. Toxic exposure to nitrous oxide can occur, with various fatal effects. Signs of nitrous oxide overdose include the following:

• Seizures
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the brain
• Asphyxia (bodily oxygen deprivation)
• Confusion
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (air trapped outside the air sacs in the lungs)
• Pneumomediastinum (trapped air in the space in the chest between the lungs)

These risks, mainly the latter two, may require short-term ventilation support, and you may enter a comatose state if significant asphyxia occurs.

Summary

Nitrous oxide serves various purposes, from a sedative in minor medical procedures to a whipping agent in cooking. However, people also inhale nitrous oxide to experience a ‘high.’

Despite popular belief, nitrous oxide use poses a significant risk of seizures, especially to those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Before using nitrous oxide recreationally, ask yourself: Is it better to be safe or sorry?

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Maladaptive Daydreaming vs Daydreaming: What’s The Difference? Does Nitrous Oxide Kill Brain Cells? Nitrous Oxide Drug Testing: Is Laughing Gas Detectable? The 16-Point Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale: How Do You Score?