Cerebral Cysticercosis Masquerading as Eclampsia: A Case Report

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is a preventable parasitic disease of nervous system caused by Taenia solium. It may present with seizures, focal neurological deficits, decreased visual acuity and altered mental status. Eclampsia is a neurological manifestation of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy presenting as seizures. In common obstetric practice, all cases of unexplained seizures are managed as eclampsia unless proven otherwise. Neurocysticercosis presenting first time in pregnancy with seizures can be confused with eclampsia. The index case was referred to us in a similar manner in the second trimester of pregnancy with a diagnosis of eclampsia. Patient was evaluated further for the cause of seizures and was found to have neurocysticercosis on imaging. She was then conservatively managed and the pregnancy was continued till term rather than termination of pregnancy which is the standard management of eclampsia.