Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Complex Partial Seizures

ABSTRACT

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) occurs in 60-90 percent of cases when parasite disease cysticercosis affects the central nervous system. This disease occurs when an organism becomes the intermediate host to the larvae form of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. The clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and management of the condition all differ depending on the position and quantity of cysts, whether the parasite is functional and living or dormant and died, as well as the immune response of each person to the disease. The most common clinical feature when central nervous system is affected is seizures, and the most common seizure types being generalized tonic-clonic seizures seen in 30-60% patients followed by simple partial seizures seen in 8-50% patients. Complex partial seizures (CPS) are the rare type of seizure presentation seen in 2-20% patients. We present a case of 30 year old male who presented with complex partial seizures and severe bilateral headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging was done which showed multiple ring enhancing lesion throughout the brain parenchyma suggestive of neurocysticercosis. Ultrasound of subcutaneous nodules also showed presence of scolex which confirmed our diagnosis. He was started on albendazole, steroids in tapering doses, clobazam and levetiracetam. He was symptom free at 2 months after follow-up.