From: The Neurological Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disease by Mark Skeen, MD.
Neurologic Clinics
Volume 20 € Number 1 € February 2002
Quote:
Nitrous oxide, a common inhaled anesthetic used in dental and surgical procedures, inactivates cobalamin by irreversibly oxidizing the cobalt core of methylcobalamin. Numerous reports have documented acute cobalamin deficiency after exposure to nitrous oxide.[79] [141] Symptoms may be subtle or profound manifestations of cerebral or spinal cord dysfunction. [79] [141] Elderly patients with borderline cobalamin deficiency are at high risk for nitrous oxide–induced cobalamin deficiencies. Because cobalamin deficiency has been reported in 7% to 21% of elderly patients, the syndrome of nitrous oxide–induced cobalamin deficiency is likely underrecognized.[79] Elderly patients and those with previous gastric
surgery who develop central nervous system dysfunction after nitrous oxide anesthesia should be evaluated for cobalamin deficiency. Preoperative screening is appropriate for patients considered at high risk for cobalamin deficiencies.
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It appears this is a problem when an individual is already borderline cobalamin deficient. But, if the onset of your symptoms seem connected to your surgery... it certainly could have thrown you over the edge if nitrous oxide was used. In any case, the treatment is B12 supplementation.