Cysticercosis

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Neurocysticercosis for example is caused by the cysticercal form, i.e. larval form of the pork tape worm, Taenia solium.

Causes

• Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)

Symptoms and symptoms

• Headaches (migraine like or tension type)
• Depression
• Decrease visual acuity
• Convulsions
• Learning disabilities
• Oedema
• Coma

Investigations

• CT brain scan
• MRI scan
• Soft tissue radiology of the lower limb
• Blood test

Pharmacological treatment

Albendazole oral

Adults

400mg/dose every 12 hours for 8-30 days

OR

15 mg/kg/day (maximum 400mg/dose) every 12 hours for 8-30 days

Child:

7.5mg/kg/dose every 12 hours for 8 to 30 days

PLUS

Prevention of neurological manifestations

24 hours prior to albendazole therapy administer:

Dexamethasone IM

0.15mg/kg/dose every 6 hours

FOLLOW WITH

Prednisone oral

1mg/kg/day for the duration of albendazole therapy

Prevention

• Prolong freezing or thorough cooking of pork to kill the parasite
• Through washing of fresh fruit and vegetables in Taenia solium endemic areas
• Avoid the use of human waste as fertilizer

Referral

• Patient not responding to initial treatment should be referred to a specialist for definitive management.