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Chapter 71 - Neurocysticercosis

from Section 3 - Symptomatic epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2012

Simon D. Shorvon
Affiliation:
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London
Frederick Andermann
Affiliation:
Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute
Renzo Guerrini
Affiliation:
Child Neurology Unit, Meyer Pediatric Hospital, Florence
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Summary

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major contributor to the burden of seizures in the world, and is also one of the few preventable causes of seizures and epilepsy. Infection is caused by ingestion of the eggs of the tapeworm, excreted with the feces of an infected human tapeworm carrier. The majority of cysticercosis cases are in older children and young adults, presenting as a single degenerating intraparenchymal lesion. Another particular clinical setting associated with seizures is the occurrence of perilesional edema around a dead, calcified parasite. The primary diagnostic approach when neurocysticercosis is suspected is the use of brain imaging. The differential diagnosis of a single brain enhancing lesion is problematic. Treatment of epilepsy secondary to NCC follows standard guidelines for the management of any other secondary epilepsies. Neurocysticercosis is rarely associated with refractory seizures, and first-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) usually achieve good seizure control.
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The Causes of Epilepsy
Common and Uncommon Causes in Adults and Children
, pp. 495 - 500
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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