Neurocysticercosis

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major contributor to the burden of seizure disorders and epilepsy in most of the world. NCC encompasses a variety of clinical presentations, depending on number, location, size, evolutionary stage of lesions, and the inflammatory response of the host, with late-onset seizures, headache, and intracranial hypertension the most frequent manifestations. Diagnosis and therapy depend on the type of NCC, considering its location and stage of the lesions. Medical therapy for NCC should be oriented to obtain appropriate symptom control and then use of antiparasitic agents considered. Antiparasitic treatment is of benefit in most cases of viable and degenerating NCC.

Keywords: Albendazole; Cysticercosis; Epilepsy; Nervous system infections; Neurocysticercosis; Praziquantel; Taenia solium.