Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy

Abstract

Metronidazole is a widely used antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent for a number of conditions. Whilst its more common gastrointestinal side effects are well known, neurotoxicity remains under-recognised. Both central and peripheral neurological side effects have been described. This report describes a case of radiologically confirmed metronidazole-induced cerebellar ataxia in a cirrhotic patient with a review of the literature. Awareness of this side effect is essential for prompt recognition as early drug withdrawal leads to resolution in the majority of cases.

Keywords

• metronidazole
• metronidazole-induced cerebellar ataxia
• metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity
• metronidazole adverse events
• metronidazole-induced encephalopathy
• dentate nucleus lesions
• splenium lesions
• corpus callosum lesions