Which halogenated hydrocarbon can lead to a reversable, subacute neurotoxicity and is now being marketed as a new form of “poppers”?
Ethyl chloride has been reported to cause a reversable, subacute neurotoxicity that is imaging negative. Prior reports document ataxia, cerebellar dysfunction, drowsiness. Death has been reported. Ethyl chloride is used in current medical practice as a topical anesthetic. It is gaining popularity as a sexual aide stimulant and it is used in place of traditional “poppers” (alkylated nitrites). Patient’s tend to spray ethyl chloride on a rag and inhale the fumes.
Al-Ajmi, A., Morad, M., Cooper, P., Hassino, L., & Siddeiq, M. (2018). Reversible Ethyl Chloride Neurotoxicity: A Case Report. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques, 45(1), 119-120. doi:10.1017/cjn.2017.262
Submitted by: Garry Winkler, MD on behalf of DEI Task Force