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The effect of nitrous oxide on the performance of psychomotor tests. A dose-response study
E W Cheam1, D P Dob, A M Skelly
1Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Abstract:
The effect of different nitrous oxide concentrations on the performance of psychomotor tests (inspection time, tapping frequency, critical flicker fusion, picture memory and time sense) was investigated in seven healthy volunteers. The results show a dose-related impairment of memory, a reduction in tapping frequency and an increase in inspection time. A paradoxical increase in critical flicker-fusion threshold was observed. There was no effect on critical fusion-flicker threshold or time sense. Recovery was incomplete for memory tests performed 20 min after withdrawal of nitrous oxide. Subjective effects persisted for several hours.