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Metronidazole-induced Encephalopathy

Htay Phyu1, Michael B Edmond1, Takaaki Kobayashi1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, United States.

Idcases
|November 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Metronidazole can cause rare but serious brain issues, known as encephalopathy, leading to symptoms like falls and slurred speech. Early recognition and stopping the drug can resolve these neurological effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metronidazole is a common antibiotic for anaerobic infections.
  • Neuropathy is a known side effect, but encephalopathy is rare.
  • Encephalopathy presents with new neurological symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Clinical symptomology review.
  • Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with frequent falls and slurred speech.
  • MRI revealed T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in bilateral dentate nuclei.
  • Neurological symptoms resolved after metronidazole discontinuation.

Conclusions:

  • Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy is a rare but significant adverse effect.
  • New-onset neurological symptoms after metronidazole initiation warrant consideration of this diagnosis.
  • Prompt drug cessation can lead to symptom resolution.
Keywords:
EncephalopathyMetronidazole

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