Clinical aspects and treatment of neurocistycercosis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the epidemiology, transmission, prevention, clinical aspects and treatments of Neurocysticercosis (NCC). Bibliographic review: Cysticercosis is generated when Taenia solium eggs are ingested, either through contaminated water or food, as a result of poor hygienic and sanitary conditions. NCC is a parasitic infection that affects the central nervous system, because, when installed in the tissues, the cysticerci undergo degeneration caused by the host's immune system, promoting an intense inflammatory process in the affected tissues. The most common clinical manifestations of the disease include headache, psychic disorders, intracranial hypertension syndrome, epileptic seizures, cysticercotic meningitis, apoplectic or endarteritic form and medullary syndrome. Final considerations: It should be noted that neurocysticercosis has not been eradicated and is still endemic in some countries, such as Brazil, highlighting a higher prevalence of NCC cases in low-income countries. In summary, to define the best therapy, it is essential to identify the presentation of the disease, as well as the number of cysticerci present, whether active or inactive, and their location. For this, it is essential that the multidisciplinary team is equipped with diagnostic resources, neurological and infectious support, so that it can enable the best form of treatment.