Drug-induced hypesthesia due to dexamethasone: A case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Systemic glucocorticoids, like dexamethasone, are common treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• This report details the first documented case of drug-induced hypesthesia following dexamethasone use in a patient with no prior neurological issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known case of hypesthesia induced by dexamethasone.
• To highlight potential adverse effects of short-term dexamethasone therapy.

Main Methods:

• A 38-year-old female with sudden sensorineural hearing loss received 6 days of intravenous dexamethasone (10 mg daily).
• The patient developed fatigue, sensory loss (pain, temperature, touch), anhidrosis, and lack of satiety on day 5.
• Dexamethasone was stopped post-treatment, and supportive care with omeprazole and mecobalamin was initiated.

Main Results:

• The patient's hypesthesia began resolving three days after dexamethasone discontinuation.
• Complete recovery from sensory impairment was confirmed one week later, with no recurrence.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the necessity of monitoring for hypesthesia during dexamethasone therapy, even for short durations.
• Clinicians should consider this potential adverse effect and explore alternative treatments if indicated.
• Mecobalamin may serve as a beneficial supportive treatment for dexamethasone-induced hypesthesia.