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.

BMJ Case Reports
|April 22, 2018
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Gene Therapy00:59

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be...
27.7K
Reversible and Irreversible Processes01:14

Reversible and Irreversible Processes

The thermodynamic processes can be classified into reversible and irreversible processes. The processes that can be restored to their initial state are called reversible processes. It is only possible if the process is in quasi-static equilibrium, i.e., it takes place in infinitesimally small steps, and the system remains at equilibrium However, these are ideal processes and do not occur naturally. An ideal system undergoing a reversible process is always in thermodynamic equilibrium within...
5.9K
Diode: Reverse bias01:14

Diode: Reverse bias

A diode is reverse-biased when the positive terminal of an external voltage source is connected to the n-type material and the negative terminal to the p-type material. This configuration opposes the natural direction of current flow through the diode, effectively increasing the width of the depletion region and the barrier potential. The reverse bias condition produces a minimal leakage current, primarily due to minority charge carriers. This leakage becomes significant when the reverse...
2.1K
Group Therapy01:26

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a sociocultural approach to psychological treatment, where individuals with shared psychological challenges come together under the guidance of a mental health professional. This therapeutic modality offers unique opportunities for individuals to connect, share, and grow within the context of a supportive group. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, group therapy can address a range of psychological concerns effectively, often complementing or surpassing the...
460
Behavior Therapy01:22

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy incorporates diverse techniques rooted in classical conditioning principles to address maladaptive behaviors and anxiety disorders. These methods aim to reduce avoidance behaviors, foster adaptive coping mechanisms, and alter associations between stimuli and responses, making them effective in a wide range of therapeutic contexts.
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
732