Drug-Induced Encephalopathy

Abstract

Drug-induced encephalopathy is a condition that is frequently caused by poor cerebral metabolism rather than structural brain abnormalities. On the other hand, several drug-induced encephalopathies may develop structural abnormalities and have common pathophysiology mechanisms. This thesis aims to review the major features of drug-related encephalopathy caused by both routinely used medications and recreationally used drugs. This thesis will portray a list of drugs that have been recorded to cause drug-induced encephalopathy, their pathophysiology (in the case of better-studied drugs), clinical features, diagnosis, and management. This thesis also includes a brief overview of the main toxicological syndromes while management of intoxicated patients plays an important role in preventing drug-induced encephalopathy in these patients.