A coroner has warned that misusing nitrous oxide is akin to playing 'chemical Russian roulette' after a 20-year-old woman died from its effects. Amy Louise Leonard, a makeup artist from Bolton, died in October last year after becoming addicted to the gas, commonly known as laughing gas.
An inquest at Bolton Coroners' Court heard that Amy had been using one large canister of nitrous oxide daily to help with anxiety and low moods. In September, she was admitted to hospital with lower back pain, numbness, and bladder incontinence. Doctors diagnosed sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, caused by a functional vitamin B12 deficiency from heavy nitrous oxide use.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she collapsed on September 30, suffering two cardiac arrests. Although doctors revived her, she sustained significant brain damage and died on October 2. Consultant neuropathologist Dr Neil Papworth described the death as 'rare and unfortunate', noting that most recreational users do not suffer fatal consequences.
Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand recorded a verdict of misadventure, stating: 'Drug misuse has killed and taken from a family a bright young woman. She had so much to live for.' Amy's mother, Katrina Proctor, has since campaigned to raise awareness of the dangers of nitrous oxide, appearing on Good Morning Britain to share her daughter's story.
Nitrous oxide is a class C drug when used recreationally, though it is lawful in catering and healthcare. Amy and her sister Caitlin had been nominated for the Young Business Woman of the Year award, which will take place in three weeks. Katrina described Amy as 'bubbly' and 'outgoing', adding: 'It just doesn't feel real.'
