Neurocysticercosis: A case report and brief review

ABSTRACT

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the seven neglected endemic zoonoses targeted by the World Health Organization. It is considered a common infection of the nervous system caused by the Taenia solium and is known to be the primary cause of preventable epilepsy in many developing countries. NCC is commonly resulted by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs after consuming undercooked pork, or contaminated water. The parasite can grow in the brain and spinal cord within the nervous system, causing severe headache and seizures beside other pathological manifestations. Immigration and international travel to endemic countries has made this disease common in the United States. NCC can be diagnosed with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The treatment of the NCC including cysticidal drugs (e.g., albendazole and praziquantel), and neurosurgical procedure, depending upon the situation. A patient of Asian origin came to our clinic with complaints of dizziness, headaches and episodes seizures for the past twelve years without proper diagnosis. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated multilobulated cystic mass in the brain with the suspicion of neurocysticercosis.