Unusual cerebellar ataxia: "worm wobble" revisited

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Toxicology

Background:

• Piperazine citrate is a common anthelmintic medication used to treat parasitic worm infections.
• Neurotoxicity is a rare but serious adverse effect associated with certain medications.

Observation:

• A 2-year-old previously healthy female child presented with symptoms of cerebellar ataxia.
• The onset of ataxia occurred several days after receiving piperazine citrate for suspected helminthiasis.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of delayed-onset neurotoxicity following piperazine citrate administration.
• Cerebellar ataxia was the primary neurological manifestation observed.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for delayed neurotoxicity with piperazine citrate, even in young children.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of piperazine-induced neurotoxicity may be warranted.