A case of hypoxic encephalopathy induced by the inhalation of helium that resolved with no neurological complications: a case report and analysis of similar cases

Abstract

Background Nowadays, it is getting easier to search information about helium‐assisted suicide online. Therefore, healthcare professionals must understand helium‐associated medical conditions. Case Presentation A 27‐year‐old man was found with his head covered with a bag connected to a helium tank. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not given because his head computed tomography showed no cerebral vasculature air embolism and there was no obvious limb paralysis. The diagnosis was impaired consciousness with hypoxic encephalopathy; he needed mechanical ventilation for 2 days. He was discharged after intelligence tests with no obvious higher brain dysfunction. Conclusion We successfully treated a patient with hypoxic encephalopathy due to helium inhalation. Our analysis suggests that the pathophysiology and appropriate intervention of helium intoxication might be different according to the devices used.

Neuroprotective effect of helium after neonatal hypoxic ischemia

“…Helium has a very low blood-gas partition coefficient and is practically insoluble in blood at 1 atmospheric pressure. 21 Both He-PC and Xenon-preconditioning can induce tolerance to early or late cerebral ischemia reperfusion. The mechanisms are: pro-survival signaling kinases are activated and mitochondrial permeability transition is suppressed, 22 the blocking of glycogen synthase kinase, 23 induction of endothelial NO synthase synthesis, 24 in addition, activation of morphine receptors 25 in early preconditioning and activation of cyclooxygenase-2 in late preconditioning.…”

Atomic Force Microscopy and High-Resolution Spectrophotometry for Study of Anoxemia and Normoxemia in Model Experiment In Vitro

“…Disturbances in blood oxygen delivery may occur at high altitude in the mountains [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Hypoxemia and its consequences should also be considered when treating patients using gases such as helium, xenon, and CO 2 [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Intermittent hypoxemia is a special situation [ 28 ].…”