Cerebral cysticercosis

Abstract

Cerebral cysticercosis is a neurologic disease with myriad manifestations. Three basic types of infections occur: localized, widespread, and proliferative inflammatory reaction. A case is reported illustrating the first type of infection and one type of clinical presentation,--focal seizures. The worldwide distribution of the disease suggests that as global travel increases we will have to consider the diagnosis more often. The diagnosis is established principally through thorough examination of the CSF plus signs of parasitosis in other parts of the body. A history of living in an endemic area should strengthen suspicion. Definitive treatment is currently limited to neurosurgical intervention.