How To Prevent And Treat Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis occurs when an individual accidentally ingests eggs from a pork tapeworm. The majority of cases happen because food was contaminated by patients with taeniasis. Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic illness that affects the nervous system in developing countries. It's also the main factor contributing to acquired epilepsy.

The disease has become increasingly common in the United States, particularly in immigrants from Latin America. In the southwest of the United States, cysticercosis can account for one in ten hospital visits regarding seizures. The disease occurs when larvae form cysts in the brain. Neurocysticercosis is a preventable disease, and there are many treatment methods available for those who are affected.

Ventricular Shunt Placement

For some patients, a ventricular shunt placement may help to treat and manage the symptoms of the disease. A shunt drains extra fluid from the brain. With neurocysticercosis, the cysts in the brain are what cause epilepsy and other neurological symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid is a cushion that protects the spinal cord and brain. But having too much leads to pressure against the skull and brain. A shunt moves the excess fluid out of a patient's head and moves it to the abdomen. From there, the body absorbs it. This is an important way to lower swelling and pressure in the brain. Not all patients with neurocysticercosis will benefit from a ventricular shunt, but it's an important option to consider.

Antiparasitic Therapy

Antiparasitic therapy is an important component of treating all parasitic diseases, neurocysticercosis included. More than two billion individuals around the world have some kind of parasitic disease. In recent years, there have been a number of advances in antiparasitic treatment options. There have been new therapies to help with malaria, new medications that address intestinal parasites, and expansion of the awareness about parasitic diseases. The use of antiparasitics against cysticercosis has been in play since 1979.

In the past, some physicians questioned whether neurocysticercosis should be treated with antiparasitic medication, since they believed the cysts would drain by themselves. But evidence shows as the cysts degenerate naturally, patients experience more seizures and neurological symptoms. This has led to the scientific conclusion that there are more benefits to using antiparasitic treatments than risks.