Balance

[Ciprofloxivin]

Hi back in 2006 I received at least 4 courses of a class of antibiotic called fluroquinlone . Since then I have deleloped cervical dystonia around 2 weeks after taking antibiotic . Muscle twitching all over loss of balance slurred speech pains in legs buzzing burning and brain fog. Fingers and toes moving around on own. Seizure type episodes but remain aware so no sign of epilepsy. 5 yr on I'm still having mahout trouble especially with balance and buzzing down legs it seems to come in cycles.  Doctors will not seem to discuss this issue and I'm now left with no reason or answers to will I get over it?  I'm positive this has caused my problems but test results show nothing.  Also I was very fit before this antibiotic which I took for kidney infection . Can anyone help me?

[Ciprofloxivin]

looks to me like this antibiotic needs looking into. There are over 2000 of us now suffering debilatating problems after taking this, no one so far can seem to register a complaint or atleast make the drug companies aware that the side effects are long lasting and very damaging!!!  Its not just tendon issues we have here its full on brain damage. no trace of evidence which in itself is pretty disturbing. I was a athelete before i took this dam stuff.  4 years on im a complete mess. Surely we cant all be labeled with stress related problems. Im totaly aware we need antibiotics but at what cost. Look what thelidimide did before anyone took notice. My point is to make you aware and i can see someone else on here is having identical problems surley thats some indication that something is dreadfully wrong here.

[Ciprofloxivin]

Thanks for reply. I have had most tests done over the past 4 years. Nothing has shown. Only archonoid cyst t7 thoracic spine cord. And a positive result for smooth muscle which liver function was tested again but was ok. I'm under neuro but they just don't know what is causing all my problems epilepsy test was done but also normal result. I'm sure it's not just stress as I have tried to address that but obviously my syptoms are pretty bad and they do get me down. I'm sure cipro has done this damage  and I know quite a few others through website which have suffered like me for a long time after.   There must be some answer

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Some of the fluoroquinolones have been shown to cause tremor, restlessness, confusion, and even seizures. These may be most noticeable in the elderly population. There is a case report discussing a dystonia on the third day of administration of a fluroquinolone; however, I have not seen this.

Often times symptoms may be secondary to emotional/psychiatric problems related to stress. These are true medical conditions whereby instead of a patient experiencing depression or anxiety, they experience physical symptoms, and once the stress is addressed, the symptoms resolve. Fibromyalagia is another medical condition that leads to whole body pains, and is best treated with medications such as lyrica and neurontin, exercise, and physical therapy.

Have you had an EEG to evaluate for possible seizure activity? Do you have migraines/headaches?

I would suggest that you be evaluated by your primary care physician. You may need a referral to a neurologist who can examine you and get a detailed history.  

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.