Nitrous oxide and the middle ear.
A case of hearing deficit following nitrous oxide anaesthesia is reported. The mechanism and time course of nitrous oxide-induced intratympanic pressure changes are described and contrasted with the effects of non-nitrous oxide anaesthesia. The rate of increase is about 10 mm H20/min. The possibility that nitrous oxide may cause displacement of tympanic membrane grafts both outwards and inwards, or disrupt the reconstructed middle ear conducting mechanism, is raised again.
D000328:Adult; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011312:Pressure; D013997:Time Factors
D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D006221:Halothane