The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772315Y.0000000018 · Published: January 1, 2016
This case report describes a patient who developed movement problems (myoclonus, asterixis, and tremor) while being treated with a high dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for pneumonia. The symptoms improved when the medication was stopped, suggesting a link between the drug and the movement problems. The patient's rehabilitation was negatively affected by these side effects. The authors suggest that levetiracetam may help manage these movement problems if TMP-SMX is necessary. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for these complications, especially in spinal cord injury patients.
Early recognition of TMP-SMX induced complications is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations like spinal cord injury patients.
Consideration of symptomatic treatment with levetiracetam may be warranted for patients requiring high-dose TMP-SMX therapy to mitigate movement disorders.
High-dose TMP-SMX therapy should be monitored carefully, particularly in spinal cord injury patients, due to the potential for significant functional impact from adverse reactions.