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Metronidazole-Induced Acute Cerebellitis in a Young Patient: Unusual Onset, Delayed Remission, and Characteristic

Venkat Reddy1, Sunil Kumar1, Sourya Acharya1

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|April 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Metronidazole-induced acute cerebellitis is a rare adverse reaction to this antibiotic. This case highlights the neurological risks, including ataxia and dysarthria, associated with high-dose metronidazole exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Metronidazole is an antibiotic for anaerobic infections.
  • Neuropathy is a known side effect, but acute cerebellitis is rare.

Observation:

  • A young girl developed weakness, dysarthria, and postural instability.
  • Symptoms appeared after ingesting 12 grams of metronidazole.

Findings:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed cerebellitis.
  • This indicates a severe neurological adverse reaction to metronidazole.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of cerebellitis as a potential metronidazole side effect.
  • Early recognition and management are crucial for patients with neurological symptoms after metronidazole use.
Keywords:
drug-induced acute cerebellitisdysarthriametronidazolepostural instabilityweakness

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