Is Permanent Nerve Damage from Nitrous Oxide Possible? Experiencing Shaking for Two Years
Greetings everyone, I’ve been grappling with some incredibly aggravating issues for more than two years now—persistent internal trembling, predominantly affecting my nervous system. The shaking is most pronounced in my head and in the heel region of my foot. I also experience relentless buzzing and tingling sensations, and it disrupts my vision, making it hard to focus or see clearly. It often feels surreal, almost as if I’m trapped in a strange state. This ordeal began after I experimented with nitrous oxide around ten times, which wasn’t excessive by any means. Two months ago, I began supplementing with Vitamin B12 at a dosage of 2000 mcg. For the initial three days, it felt like everything had returned to normal—completely restored. However, as time passed, the symptoms gradually re-emerged. While they're not as severe as before, they remain an everyday presence. I am left wondering whether this is the new normal for me. Is recovery elusive? Has anyone endured a similar experience and managed to improve? Any insights or support would be immensely valued. Thank you! 🙏
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 9:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing distressing symptoms that are impacting your daily life. Persistent internal trembling, buzzing, and tingling sensations can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt your focus and sense of normalcy. While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can help clarify the possibility of nitrous oxide affecting your nerve health and suggest some next steps to address your concerns.
Overview: Nitrous oxide, particularly when used recreationally, has been associated with neurological symptoms if used excessively or can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, as it affects the metabolism of this important vitamin. It's advisable to consider the potential relationship between your symptoms and your previous use of nitrous oxide, alongside your current health practices.
Explaining Your Symptoms:
- Nerve Sensitivity: The symptoms you're experiencing, such as tremors, tingling, and buzzing, could be indicative of neuropathy or nerve irritation, possibly exacerbated by the nitrous oxide.
- Vitamin B12 Levels: Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve health. If the initial boost from the supplement improved your symptoms, it may indicate that low B12 levels were affecting your nervous system previously. However, if you're still experiencing symptoms, other factors could be at play.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms—note when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers or alleviating factors. This can help you identify patterns and facilitate future discussions with healthcare providers.
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Continue Vitamin B12 Supplementation: If you haven't already, consider speaking to a healthcare provider about your current B12 supplementation. A blood test can help determine your levels and whether adjustments are needed.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Implement supportive measures for your nervous system. Ensure you have a balanced diet, regular exercise, good hydration, and stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness or yoga.
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Seek Professional Evaluation: While you wish to avoid healthcare consultations, given the persistent nature of your symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a neurologist or a healthcare provider specializing in neurology may be essential. They can conduct tests to assess nerve function and vitamin levels, providing more targeted management options.
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Connect with Support: Find support groups, either in-person or online, for individuals experiencing similar symptoms. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can significantly help.
Recovery is often a path that requires patience and support, and although your situation feels challenging, many have experienced improvement over time. Please feel free to share your experiences or ask further questions as you navigate this process.
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