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Neurocysticercosis in children

  • Symposium on Neurological Disorder-Advances in Management-II
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common cause of seizures and neurologic disease. Although there may be variable presentations depending on the stage and location of cysts in the nervous system, most children (> 80%) present with seizures particularly partial seizures. About a third of cases have headache and vomiting. Diagnosis is made by either CT or MRI. Single enhancing lesions are the commonest visualization of a scolex confirms the diagnosis. Some cases have multiple cysts with a characterstic starry-sky appearance. Management involves use of anticonvulsants for seizures and steroids for cerebral edema. The use of cysticidal therapy continues to be debated. Controlled studies have shown that cysticidal therapy helps in increased and faster resolution of CT lesions. Improvement in long - term seizure control has not yet been proven. Children with single lesions have a good outcome and seizure recurrence rate is low. Children with multiple lesions have recurrent seizures. Extraparenchymal NCC has a guarded prognosis but it is rare in children. In endemic areas NCC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of seizures and various other neurological disorders.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

    Pratibha Singhi & Sunit Singhi

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Singhi, P., Singhi, S. Neurocysticercosis in children. Indian J Pediatr 76, 537–545 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-009-0139-5

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