Concurrent encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy: A rare case of metronidazole toxicity

Authors

  • Bhupendra Shah Department of Neuroscience, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Raju Paudel Department of Neuroscience, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Nawli Manandhar Department of Neuroscience, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Paras Thapa Department of Radiology and Intervention, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Vivek Sharma Deparment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sharma Paudel Department of Radiology and Intervention, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Keywords:

Encephalopathy, Metronidazole, Peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic widely used in clinical practice for anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Though well tolerated, it rarely has severe neurological toxicity. We are reporting a case of a 59-year old female with liver abscess who developed concurrent encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy after a few days of high-dose metronidazole therapy.  MRI brain of patient showed characteristic hyperintense lesion in bilateral dentate nuclei of cerebellum. Nerve conduction study showed demyelinating pattern and sensory neuropathy predominantly affecting lower limbs. The patient recovered well after the withdrawal of the offending agent.

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Published

2021-12-30

How to Cite

Shah, B., Paudel, R., Manandhar, N., Thapa, P., Sharma, V., & Paudel, S. (2021). Concurrent encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy: A rare case of metronidazole toxicity. Grande Medical Journal, 3(1), 72-74. Retrieved from http://thegmj.co/index.php/1/article/view/80

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