User:Mr. Ibrahem/Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is a form of the parasitic disease, cysticercosis, in which cysts develop in the nervous system. Symptoms may include seizures, headaches, increased intracranial pressure, and other neurological problems; though many have few or no symptoms. It is a frequent cause of epilepsy worldwide, representing about a third of cases were the infection is common.

It is caused by eating eggs, found in the stool of humans with the tapeworm Taenia solium. Risk factors include living with someone who has the tapeworm. People get infected by the tapeworm from eating undercooked infected pig. Diagnosis is by medical imaging, either MRI or CT scan, supported by blood tests. It can appear similar to nearly all other neurological problems.

Antiparasitic medication (albendazole or praziquantel) together with corticosteroids may be recommended in people who have live cysts within brain tissue that result in symptoms. Antiseizure medications are also often used. Surgery may be required in certain cases. Prevention include vaccinating pigs, preventing their exposure to human feces, and treating humans with taeniasis.

Neurocysticercosis is estimated to affect 2.5 to 8.3 million people. It occurs most commonly in Latin America, South East Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. It is particularly common in rural areas that lack proper sanitation. The risk of death is higher in extraparenchymal compared to parenchymal disease. It is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease.