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Pseudotumor cerebri and ciprofloxacin: a case report.
Rajeev R Fernando1, Niraj N Mehta, Morgan G Fairweather
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Rajeev.Fernando@uth.tmc.edu.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|March 18, 2011
Summary
Ciprofloxacin can cause pseudotumor cerebri, a condition leading to severe headaches and vision problems. Promptly stopping this antibiotic may resolve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure.
- Certain medications, including fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin, have been implicated in its development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of ciprofloxacin-induced pseudotumor cerebri in a young African American woman.
- To highlight the importance of suspecting medication as an etiology in atypical pseudotumor cerebri cases.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 22-year-old female presenting with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure after initiating ciprofloxacin.
- Clinical examination, neuroimaging (MRI, MRV), and lumbar puncture were performed.
- Response to ciprofloxacin withdrawal was monitored.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with headache, visual blurring, and diplopia, consistent with elevated intracranial pressure.
- Lumbar puncture revealed a significantly elevated cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure (380 mmH2O).
- Discontinuation of ciprofloxacin led to complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Conclusions:
- Ciprofloxacin can induce pseudotumor cerebri, presenting with significant neurological and visual symptoms.
- Early recognition and withdrawal of the inciting agent are crucial for effective management and prevention of recurrence.
- This case underscores the need to consider medication side effects in patients with atypical presentations of pseudotumor cerebri.
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