Updates on the management of neurocysticercosis.

Abstract

The goal of this review is highlight recent developments regarding neurocysticercosis, including recently developed guidelines. Recent diagnostic criteria highlight the importance of neuroimaging in establishing a diagnosis. Monoclonal antibody-based antigen detection and the enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot can be confirmatory. Management should be guided by the form of disease. Single enhancing lesions and one to two viable parenchymal cysticerci can be treated with short courses of albendazole and corticosteroid. Multiple parenchymal lesions should be treated with the combination of corticosteroids, albendazole, and praziquantel. Ventricular cysticerci should be removed when possible, often by minimally invasive surgery. Subarachnoid cysticercosis often requires prolonged courses of antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory treatment. Neurocysticerocis represents a spectrum of disease that is a common cause of neurologic disease worldwide. Management needs to be guided by the number and location of the parasites and the host response.