Drug-induced hypesthesia due to dexamethasone: A case report

Systemic glucocorticoids are widely used in the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This report describes the first known case of drug-induced hypesthesia following dexamethasone administration in a patient without prior neurological conditions.

A 38-year-old female patient presented with bothersome and intolerable tinnitus and was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. She was treated with dexamethasone (10 mg IVGTT once daily) for 6 days. On the 5th day of treatment, the patient began experiencing fatigue, followed by decreased sensitivity to pain, temperature, and touch, anhidrosis, and lack of satiety.

Drug-induced hypesthesia.

Dexamethasone was discontinued after completing the 6-day treatment course. The patient was then prescribed omeprazole and mecobalamin for supportive care.

The patient's sensory impairment began to resolve 3 days after stopping dexamethasone. Follow-up 1 week later confirmed complete recovery without recurrence of hypesthesia.

This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients for hypesthesia during dexamethasone therapy, even in the short term. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect and consider alternative treatments if necessary. Mecobalamin may be a supportive option for managing hypesthesia in such cases.