Research Information System
Anestezi Dergisi, vol.33, no.3, pp.215-219, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)
Antibiotics, widely used in intensive care units, are generally well-tolerated but may cause adverse effects, including neurotoxicity. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a rare but severe neurotoxic effect of antibiotics, often requiring electroencephalogram (EEG) for diagnosis. This report presents an 80-year-old woman who developed NCSE after tigecycline administration for a suspected intra-abdominal infection. Despite initial antibiotic therapy, her condition deteriorated, presenting with confusion, mutism, and unresponsiveness. Neuroimaging showed no abnormalities, but EEG confirmed NCSE, characterized by generalized slow-wave activity and sharp wave discharges. Intravenous benzodiazepine was administered and clinical status and EEG findings improved rapidly. Tigecycline was discontinued, and antiepileptic therapy initiated, leading to a full recovery. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of NCSE in critically ill patients. Clinicians should remain vigilant for neurotoxic side effects of antibiotics like tigecycline, especially in vulnerable populations, as timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes.