The effects of conscious sedation with nitrous oxide/oxygen on cognitive functions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conscious sedation with 40% nitrous oxide/oxygen (N 2 O/O 2 ) on cognitive functions. Materials and methods:Forty dental patients referred to the sedation unit at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery received a combination of 40% N 2 O/O 2 inhalation for conscious sedation. Psychometric tests were applied three times: before sedation, during sedation, and at the end of the recovery, for assessing cognitive functions. Results:The results of this study showed that the 40% N 2 O/O 2 combination impaired cognitive functions during the conscious sedation. Recovery of most of the cognitive functions occurred 15 min after sedation. However, in addition to the persistence of 'hypnotic effects' and 'sensations of isolation' during the recovery period, 'motor loss value' showed more cognitive impairment 15 min after sedation than before the sedation period, and, thus, the ability to execute fine motor skills was not totally recovered by then. Conclusion:The results of this study could be crucial for informing patients about avoiding attentive activities soon after conscious sedation via 40% N 2 O/O 2 .

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve cognitive dysfunction and encephalatrophy induced by N₂O for recreational use: a case report

“… 3 It was previously reported that N 2 O might induce cognitive impairment when used as an anesthetic. 4 , 5 We present a case report in which a patient presented with encephalatrophy with cognitive dysfunction caused by the recreational use of N 2 O. Encephalatrophy with impaired cognitive function caused by N 2 O recreational use has not been reported previously. This case report is the first to report encephalatrophy accompanied by altered cognitive functioning apart from peripheral neuropathy following intense N 2 O abuse.…”

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive dysfunction induced by nitrous oxide abuse: protocol of a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

“…Nitrous oxide itself does not cause severe respiratory inhibition, but it prevents the physiological response to hypoxia at high concentrations (50%) 2. The study reported that memory impairment, learning difficulties and psychomotor activity were reduced with subanaesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide 9. Dreyfus et al reported the development of chronic toxic encephalopathy with cognitive decline as a result of chronic exposure to nitrous oxide in two anaesthetists who constantly worked in an operating room.…”

Manejo de la fobia y ansiedad dental mediante la utilización de la sedación consciente inhalatoria en la clínica dental = Management of patients with dental anxiety and phobia using inhalation sedation in the dental surgery

“…Samur Ergüven y cols. 76 en su trabajo sobre 40 pacientes obtuvieron unos resultados similares a los nuestros en cuanto a saturación de oxígeno y pulso y algo menores en presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, sin ser significativo y dentro de la normalidad, como muestra la tabla 14.…”

“…También siguen la técnica de titulación Samur Ergüven y cols. 76 en su estudio de 40 pacientes con un 40% de óxido nitroso de máxima concentración, con un tiempo de recuperación de menos de 5 minutos tras fin de administración.…”

“…En el estudio de Samur Ergüven y cols. 76 con duración de sedación de 23,30 minutos de media a un 40% de óxido nitroso, reportan una recuperación de casi todas las funciones a los 5 minutos y completa a los 20 minutos. Parecen unos resultados demasiado largos al compararlos con los nuestros, pero en los estudios de Venchard y cols.…”