The Inverse Lhermitte Phenomenon Suggests Nitrous Oxide-Induced Myelopathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Nitrous oxide-induced myelopathy is a relatively well-known clinical entity. Less well-known, however, is the rare inverse Lhermitte phenomenon, where neck flexion elicits an ascending, rather than descending, electric shock-like sensation. This is a characteristic symptom and sign that may occur in nitrous oxide toxicity. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was admitted to our hospital with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome due to her ascending numbness and unsteady gait. We describe her examination and laboratory features leading to the correct diagnosis, along with a historical review of the various subtypes of the Lhermitte phenomenon and the pathophysiology of nitrous oxide-induced myelopathy.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: The Inverse Lhermitte Phenomenon Suggests Nitrous Oxide-Induced Myelopathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature ; volume:15 ; number:1 ; year:2023 ; pages:81-86 ; extent:6 ; Case reports in neurology ; 15, Heft 1 (2023), 81-86 (gesamt 6)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Sharma, Sonali ; Benatar, Michael ; Herskovitz, Steven ; Granit, Volkan

Further information

• DOI: 10.1159/000529325
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024010323435404571264
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:40 AM CEST