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: corpus callosum lesions; dentate nucleus lesions; metronidazole; metronidazole adverse events; metronidazole-induced cerebellar ataxia; metronidazole-induced encephalopathy; metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity; splenium lesions.
© 2021. The Authors.