3.6.4
Neurocysticercosis
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 3, Central Nervous System Conditions.
Clinical Description
- Parasitic infection caused by larval cysts of the pork tape worm Taenia Solium
Signs and Symptoms
- Asymptomatic
- Seizures
- Focal neurological deficits
- Features of raised intracranial pressure
Investigations
- CT or MRI brain
Pharmacological
- Albendazole 7.5mg/kg twice daily for 8 days
- Drug-induced damage to cyst cerci may precipitate an acute inflammatory reaction, the intensity of which is related to the number of viable cysts and may cause cerebral oedema. This reaction is minimized by adding corticosteroids to the anthelminthic treatment,
- Prednisone 1-2mg/kg daily for 8 days.
- Treat seizures according to seizure protocol
Non-pharmacological
- Neurosurgical intervention if patient has hydrocephalus
- Neuroprotective measures
Complications
- Seizures
- Hydrocephalus
- Developmental regression
Refer all post-op patients for intensive medical rehabilitation Services.
Complications and Referral Criteria
All patients should be referred for neuroimaging
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