Persistent metronidazole-induced peripheral neuropathy

We report the case of a young woman with Crohn's disease who developed a debilitating peripheral neuropathy when treated with metronidazole 2000 mg/d for 50 days. The patient's neuropathy improved considerably after the discontinuation of metronidazole, but still persists two years later. The current literature on this topic is reviewed. Reports such as this one underscore the need to closely monitor the neurologic status of patients undergoing chronic treatment with metronidazole.