Downloads: 1
Case Studies | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 385 - 388 | India
Ataxia as an Adverse Drug Reaction: A Case Series
Abstract: Background: Ataxia is a clinical syndrome resulting from cerebellar dysfunction, presenting with gait imbalance, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, and nystagmus. While structural, metabolic, and autoimmune causes are well recognized, drug-induced ataxia remains underdiagnosed despite being potentially reversible. Methods: We report a case series of three patients presenting with acute cerebellar ataxia associated with recent drug exposure. Clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, serum drug levels, and neuroimaging were performed. Structural causes were excluded, and outcomes were assessed following drug withdrawal. Results: Three cases of drug-induced ataxia were identified. Phenytoin toxicity (44 μg/mL), likely potentiated by valproate, caused acute cerebellar signs in a young female. Carbamazepine-induced ataxia occurred in an elderly male despite therapeutic levels, suggesting individual susceptibility. Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy presented with characteristic bilateral dentate nucleus hyperintensities on MRI. All patients showed significant clinical improvement after discontinuation of the offending drug. Conclusion: Drug-induced ataxia is an important, reversible cause of cerebellar dysfunction. Early recognition through detailed medication history and timely drug withdrawal can prevent unnecessary investigations and ensure favorable neurological recovery.
Keywords: Drug-induced ataxia, Cerebellar dysfunction, Phenytoin toxicity, Carbamazepine neurotoxicity, Metronidazole encephalopathy
How to Cite?: Dr. Nilima K. Shah, Dr. Khyatiben B. Rathwa, Dr. Kamlesh J. Upadhyay, Dr. Harshkumar S. Panchal, Dr. Manthan V. Saxena, Dr. Shreyaskumar K. Patel, "Ataxia as an Adverse Drug Reaction: A Case Series", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 385-388, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26405172046, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26405172046