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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
Reversible metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity after 10 weeks of therapy
Wafa AlDhaleei1, Ayesha AlMarzooqi1, Nouran Gaber1
1Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
Metronidazole is a commonly used antimicrobial worldwide. The most common side effects that have been reported are nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity reactions. However, neurotoxicity has been reported with the use of metronidazole but rather rare. The most common neurological manifestation is peripheral neuropathy involvement in the form of sensory loss. It is worth mentioning that central neurotoxicity is a rare side effect of metronidazole use but reversible. The manifestations vary from a headache, altered mental status to focal neurological deficits. The diagnosis is mainly by neuroimaging in the setting of acute neurological change in the patient status. Here, we report a case of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in a 38-year-old male patient who was admitted with a brain abscess and was started on metronidazole for more than 10 weeks.
Insights
Metronidazole can cause rare central neurotoxicity, presenting as neurological deficits. This reversible side effect is typically diagnosed via neuroimaging during acute neurological changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metronidazole is a widely used antimicrobial agent.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues and hypersensitivity.
- Neurotoxicity is a rare but reported adverse effect.
Observation:
- This case report details metronidazole-induced central neurotoxicity.
- The patient, a 38-year-old male, received metronidazole for over 10 weeks for a brain abscess.
- Neurological manifestations ranged from headache to focal deficits.
Findings:
- Central neurotoxicity from metronidazole is rare but reversible.
- Diagnosis relies on neuroimaging in patients with acute neurological changes.
- Peripheral neuropathy (sensory loss) is the most common neurological manifestation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in patients presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis and discontinuation of metronidazole can lead to reversible neurological recovery.
- Further research into the mechanisms and risk factors for metronidazole neurotoxicity is warranted.
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