Department of Paediatrics, Nalanda Medical College, Patna.

ABSTRACT

Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. The disease has worlwide distribution. The cysticerci might lodge in the brain parenchyma, spinal cord, eyes, ventricular system, subarachnoid space and muscle. These are most often seen in basal meninges. The presence of human lymphocyte antigen-related antigens on the surface of cysticerci has a direct relationship with microscopic signs of damage to cysticerci. The clinical manifestations depend upon number and topography of lesions, the individual immune response to the parasite and the sequelae of previous infestations. The diagnostic criteria of neurocysticercosis can be based on absolute criteria, major criteria, minor criteria and epidemiological criteria. Computerised tomography (CT) head is still most useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis but magnetic resonance imaging has some advantages over computerised tomography. The mainstay of therapy lies on medical and surgical intervention. Medical therapy consists of cysticidal drugs. Surgical therapy is indicated in intraventricular and subarachnoid neurocysticercosis. Steriods are used for anti-oedema measures. Anti-epileptics can also be tried. The measures for prevention of cysticercosis are proper disposal of human waste, treatment of water contaminated with human faeces before its use in irrigation of vegetable cultivation, proper cooking of pork and repeated treatment in taenia carriers.