One of Idaho’s most famous residents, actress Demi Moore, was hospitalized Monday following a seizure she suffered while staying in Los Angeles. Though details remain sketchy, Moore, who makes her home in Hailey, Idaho, was rushed to the hospital Monday after a female friend called 911 to report that the 49 year-old actress was having a seizure.
According to the 911 tapes released today, the friend said that Moore “smoked something. It’s not marijuana, but it’s similar to incense and she seems to be having convulsions …” The friend also disclosed that Moore had been having “issues” recently, but said she didn’t know what, if anything else, Moore had taken before having the seizure.
Several news outlets have reported that Moore was inhaling nitrous oxide, also referred to as doing “whip-its.” This chemical compound, often referred to as laughing gas, is commonly used in dental procedures. It can also be used in rocket motors and internal combustion engines. Inhaling nitrous oxide produces a euphoric effect, and some people use it recreationally to achieve a high. One would assume this is what Moore was attempting to do.
Though the euphoria may seem worthwhile, there are many negative side effects of inhaling nitrous oxide outside of a medical setting. It can cause short-term decreases in manual dexterity, mental performance, and audiovisual abilities. Likewise, long-term effects include B12 deficiency and numbness. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and prolonged deficiency can cause severe and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, depression, mania, and psychosis. In other words, it’s no laughing matter.
Additionally, much was made of Moore’s October appearance at the Margin Call premiere. She wore a stunning red dress, but she appeared to be very thin and unhealthy. Many speculated that she was not coping well with her recent split from Ashton Kutcher. It has been widely reported that she has lost a great deal of weight in the past few months, prompting rumors that she is suffering from anorexia.
At this point, Moore his officially being treated for “exhaustion,” due to “stresses in her life,” according to a statement by her publicist. The statement continued, “Demi has chosen to seek professional assistance to treat her exhaustion and improve her overall health.” It’s no stretch of the imagination to presume that she has entered a rehab facility.
Although there has been no word as to how this situation will affect the actress legally, it should be noted that in California, where Moore was when this incident occurred, possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use is a misdemeanor.
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