Nonconvulsive status with metronidazole.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To expand the adverse events associated with metronidazole to include nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). DESIGN: Observational single case report of a rare association. SETTING: Hospitalized lung transplant recipient treated with metronidazole for prevention of infection. PATIENT A 56-year-old man with systemic symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, generalized seizure, and a subsequent acute deterioration of mental status due to NCSE. INTERVENTIONS: Administration of midazolam was successful in terminating status epilepticus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Abrupt termination of NCSE was evident on continuous bedside electroencephalogam associated with clinical resolution of mental status. RESULTS: Recovery occurred from NCSE eventually deteriorating to a fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Metronidazole may be associated with successfully treated NCSE.