NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS

PASCUA, LOUISE SAMANTHA P.

PASCUAL, JEMELIE G.
POLICARPIO, NOLEEN FAYE L.
PRONTO, JOMAR M.
Neurocysticercosis
• Cysticercosis is the common parasitic infection caused by
tapeworm Taenia solium (T.solium).
• Called Neurocysticercosis when infects the brain.
• The common symptom of Neurocysticercosis is
seizure or epilepsy.
• Initially prevalent only in developing countries.
• Found in most of the developed countries as well
including United States (US) due to migration.
Life Cycle
Mode of infection
• Animals (Beef & Pork) to Person
• Person to Person
• Uncooked meat of beef and pork
Signs and Symptoms
• The main symptom of Neurocysticercosis observed
in 70% cases is Epilepsy. The other symptoms
include:
• Headache and dizziness
• Blindness
• Dementia
• Meningitis
• The active form the parasite causes arachnoiditis
and cerebral stroke
• Inactive form leads to parenchymatous
calcifications.
Prevention and control
• Maintain a good hygiene both, in the house and
in the neighboring surroundings.
• Maintain a personal hygiene (always wash hands
thoroughly after defecation and urination).
• The pork meat should be thoroughly cooked.
• Pigs to be given anti-parasitic medications and
vaccinated against T.solium. It must be noted
that these vaccines are not for humans.
Diagnosis
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
to Diagnose Neurocysticercosis: MRI scan
of brain shows whitish bobs on brain image
which indicate the cysts of tapeworms.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scan
is used for detection of calcifications.
Treatment
• Anti-parasitic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Surgery