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Review paper

Neurocysticercosis with symptomatic epilepsy manifestation

By
Nataliya Nekrasova Orcid logo ,
Nataliya Nekrasova
Contact Nataliya Nekrasova

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Olena Tovazhnyanska ,
Olena Tovazhnyanska

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Daryna Sushetska ,
Daryna Sushetska

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Olena Markovska ,
Olena Markovska

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv , Ukraine

Anton Shapkin ,
Anton Shapkin

Department of Pathomorphology, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Rhea Singh ,
Rhea Singh

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Yevhenija Soloviova ,
Yevhenija Soloviova

Department of Neurology No2, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Dmytro Butov
Dmytro Butov

Department of Phthisiology and Pulmonology, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Abstract

Aim
To present a unique case of a 22-year-old male patient with symptomatic epilepsy manifestation on a background of neurocysticercosis (NCC).
Methods
An Indian student in Kharkiv, who lived in rural parts in India, presented with sudden episodes of seizure followed by severe headaches. Laboratory analyses and neurological status (MRI) were performed.
Results
Neurological status of the patient revealed nystagmus and difficulty in performing coordination tests. General analysis of blood showed raised eosinophil count to 8%. The MRI showed a few small conglomerating peripherally enhancing thick-walled infective granulomas in left frontal lobe with extensive surrounding oedema in the left fronto-parietal lobe. The patient was treated with albendazol, levipil, methylprednisolone and pantoprazole. Clinical symptoms and subsequent MRI showed improvement.
Conclusion
Neurocysticercosis is often misdiagnosed in the early stages, which leads to adverse outcomes. Although seizures are the most common clinical manifestation, it is a symptom that is not found in majority of the patients. The NCC of adult onset accompanying epileptic seizures is not well studied and a link between the helminthic invasion, epilepsy and psychiatric conditions needs to be established. This disease is potentially eradicable with wellplanned eradication programs targeting all stages of Taenia solium life cycle.

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