Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Early onset probable linezolid-induced encephalopathy
Jeffery Fletcher1, Laura E Aykroyd, Eric C Feucht
1Department of Neurology (Neurocritical Care), Bronson Methodist Hospital, 601 John Street Suite M-124, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA. jeffletc@med.umich.edu
Journal of Neurology
|November 6, 2009
Summary
Linezolid can cause rare neurotoxicity, even with short-term use. Early encephalopathy is possible, especially in patients with risk factors like alcoholism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Linezolid is a vital antibiotic for Gram-positive infections.
- Neurotoxicity is a rare but serious side effect of linezolid, often linked to prolonged use.
- Risk factors like alcoholism, diabetes, and certain therapies increase susceptibility.
Observation:
- A case study details a 41-year-old male experiencing early-onset encephalopathy.
- The patient developed symptoms after only 1.5 days of linezolid treatment.
- Alcoholism was identified as a significant risk factor in this patient.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation suggests probable linezolid-induced encephalopathy.
- The Naranjo probability scale supported the likelihood of drug-induced toxicity.
- This case highlights the potential for rapid onset of neurotoxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider early-onset linezolid neurotoxicity, even with brief exposure.
- Vigilance is crucial for patients with pre-existing risk factors.
- Awareness can prevent delayed diagnosis and management of adverse neurological effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:29Hepatic Encephalopathy
DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...