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Metronidazole-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity

Amit Agarwal1, Sangam Kanekar2, Shyam Sabat1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Penn State University, Hershey Medical Center , PA, USA.

Neurology International
|April 30, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Metronidazole, an antibacterial drug, can cause central nervous system toxicity. Imaging revealed signal changes in the dentate and red nucleus in patients with cerebellar dysfunction after metronidazole use.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metronidazole is a widely used antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication.
  • While generally safe, neurological side effects, particularly peripheral neuropathy, can occur.
  • Central nervous system toxicity is less common but reported.

Observation:

  • This study reports imaging findings in two patients experiencing cerebellar dysfunction.
  • Both patients had a history of Metronidazole usage.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to assess neurological changes.

Findings:

  • Both patients exhibited signal changes in the dentate and red nucleus on MRI.
  • These findings are consistent with previously reported cases of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy.
  • The dentate nucleus appears to be a primary target in metronidazole-induced central nervous system toxicity.

Implications:

  • These observations highlight the potential for metronidazole to induce central neurological damage.
  • MRI findings can aid in diagnosing metronidazole-induced encephalopathy.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of this specific toxicity.
Keywords:
Metronidazoledentatemagnetic resonance imagingtoxicity

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