Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common infection that is found worldwide but is often neglected in the United States (US). This case report aims to illustrate the presentation of the disease, provide information on this globally prevalent pathogen, and shed light on the diagnostic workup and treatment of the infection. We discuss the case of a 31-year-old male patient of Central American origin presenting with a new-onset seizure. He had no significant past medical history and had never experienced similar events before. The diagnosis was made through neuroimaging, serum antibody testing, and biopsy of the brain lesion. This case highlights the importance of performing a good clinical history and a proper diagnostic workup that would help in the prompt recognization and treatment of this common worldwide illness that may not be endemic to the clinician’s geographical area.
Highlights
Cysticercosis is a common infection affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide and endemic to many regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and other parts of Asia [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
Consumption of undercooked pork will only lead to taeniasis because infected pork contains the larval cysts that develop into adult worms in the human intestine, but does not contain the eggs that cause cysticercosis [12]
Anticonvulsant drug therapy is recommended in patients who present with seizures, even of a single episode, because NCC lesion(s) serve as a nidus for recurrent seizures
Summary
Cysticercosis is a common infection affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide and endemic to many regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and other parts of Asia [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most frequent preventable cause of epilepsy worldwide and is estimated to be the cause of 30% of epilepsy cases in endemic areas [8] It is one of the five neglected parasitic infections (NPIs) in the United States (US), targeted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health action [9]. A family member had noticed shaking movement of arms and legs that had lasted for three minutes while the patient had been taking a nap, followed by lethargy and confusion afterward. He denied fever, chills, night sweats, weakness, motor or sensory deficits, and vision changes or recent trauma.
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