Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
Leukoencephalopathy after levamisole for the treatment of verrucae
1Department of Neurology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. vattmo@gmail.com
Purpose:
Levamisole is an antihelmintic and immunomodulator used as a dewormer and in combination with other forms of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer. It has also been used for treating dermatologic disorders such as verrucae. However, its benefits remain controversial and serious side effects such as central nervous system toxicity are unexpected.
Case Report:
Multifocal leukoencephalopathy developed in a 26-year-old man after levamisole treatment for verrucae. He recovered completely after discontinuation of the offending drug and treatment with steroid and plasmapheresis.
Conclusion:
Clinicians should be aware of this neurotoxicity in order to provide early diagnosis and treatment and thereby improve outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Arboviral Encephalitis
Anthelminthic Agents
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...

