Neurocysticercosis

Summary: • Neurocysticercosis is a big problem worldwide o It is a common cause of new onset seizure in young people from endemic areas (i.e. El Salvador or Mexico) • Key imaging finding is a cystic lesion which represents the scolex of the worm • The organism responsible for this condition if the tapeworm Taenia solium o Commonly lives in the pig • Clinical manifestations include: o Neuro-op features such as increased intra-cranial pressure (i.e. papilledema or a non-localizing 6th nerve palsy) and obstructive hydrocephalus o Ophthalmologic features such as a cyst in the eye -indicates the organism is still alive and coats itself in mucous to avoid recognition by the immune system • Killing the worm with medications like praziquantel or albendazole could lead to a massive inflammatory response o Perform a dilated fundus examination before treating the systemic disease to avoid this • In addition to eating uncooked pork products, exposure to cysts lead to neurocysticercosis o Can be present on lettuce, fruit and in water o The cysts come from stool of infected animals/individuals • Follow the CBC recommendations: general hygiene and prophylaxis against the tapeworm o Wash and peel things yourself prior to eating them o Only eat cooked food o Drink bottled water, including when you brush your teeth