The course of seizures after treatment for cerebral cysticercosis

Article Abstract:

Treatment of patients with cerebral cysticercosis may decrease the frequency of or eliminate associated seizure disorders. Cerebral cysticercosis is a tapeworm infection characterized by formation of larval cysts in the brain that cause seizure disorders. Of 240 cerebral cysticercosis patients with an associated seizure disorder, 118 were treated with drugs to eliminate cysts, 49 did not not receive treatment, 58 with inflammation around cysts also did not receive treatment and 15 had cysts removed surgically. Fifty-four percent of the patients treated with drugs were seizure-free three years after treatment. The untreated patients who did not have inflammation experienced an average of 11 seizures per year. Patients with inflammation experienced a 74% decrease in the average number of seizures per year, and 31% were seizure-free. Patients who underwent surgery experienced a 87% decrease in the average number of seizures per year, and 40% were seizure-free.

Care and treatment, Prevention

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Neurocysticercosis--is the elimination of parasites beneficial?

Article Abstract:

All patients who have neurocysticercosis should be treated with anti-parasite drugs. Neurocysticercosis is a brain infection caused by tapeworms. The worm itself or scar tissue that it creates can cause seizures. A study published in 2004 showed that treatment with the anti-parasite drug albendazole can reduce the number of seizures in these patients.

Editorial

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A trial of antiparasitic treatment to reduce the rate of seizures due to cerebral cysticercosis

Article Abstract:

The drug albendazole may benefit patients who have seizures because they have tapeworm infection in their brain, according to a study of 120 patients. The tapeworm causes scars inside the brain, and it is these scars that cause seizures. Albendazole is a drug that kills parasites.

Evaluation

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