Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

12.6K

A rare presentation of acute onset metronidazole-induced leukoencephalopathy with rapid resolution: a case report

Govind Singh Mann1, Neeti Ajay Gupta2, Nitin Jain2

  • 1Sant Parmanand Hospital, Delhi, India. drgovindsinghmann@gmail.com.

Neuroradiology
|February 19, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Metronidazole can rarely cause severe neurological toxicity, including Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy, presenting as cerebellar symptoms. Prompt discontinuation is crucial for recovery and preventing lasting neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Metronidazole is a common antimicrobial.
  • Adverse effects can include neurological symptoms like ataxia and encephalopathy.
  • Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy is a rare but severe neurological toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy.
  • To highlight the clinical and radiological features of this rare adverse effect.
  • To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 48-year-old female.
  • Presentation of acute cerebellar symptoms and altered sensorium.
  • Treatment involved discontinuation of Metronidazole.

Main Results:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed diffuse leukoencephalopathy.
  • Affected areas included cerebellar, brainstem, and cerebral white matter.
  • Clinical and radiological symptoms resolved rapidly after drug discontinuation.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition of Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy is vital.
  • Immediate discontinuation of Metronidazole can prevent irreversible neurological damage.
  • Prompt management is effective even after limited exposure.
Keywords:
BrainLeukoencephalopathyMRIMetronidazoleNeurotoxicityToxicology

More Related Videos

Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection09:34

Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection

Published on: March 18, 2020

7.6K
Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment08:36

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment

Published on: April 19, 2024

420

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
602
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
842
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
15
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
22
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
21
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic...
53