The acute presentation of nitrous oxide-induced vitamin B-12 deficiency in a postoperative lumbar discectomy patient: illustrative case.

The acute presentation of vitamin B-12 deficiency is rare but can lead to serious and potentially irreversible neurological consequences if not recognized. Unexpected acute symptoms in the perioperative period require prompt evaluation. Awareness of past medical history and perioperative exposures can help identify the cause. Early recognition and treatment enable favorable outcomes in vitamin B-12 deficiency. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE25785.