Neurocysticercosis: Pharmacological and surgical handling in open and endoscopic surgery

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to study the cerebral neurocysticercosis, a common brain infection by the larval form of tapeworm Taenia solium. After a brief historical introduction, we define this problem, which is endemic in developing countries such as Ibero-America, China, India, and Africa and, because of increased migration, also being diagnosed more frequently in industrialized countries. Epilepsy and hydrocephalus are the most frequent consequences, and neuroimaging is needed for diagnosing and staging the disease. Treatments are medical and/or surgical. We describe here open surgery and we emphasize endoscopic surgery. Series of patients treated with only medication are compared to others where endoscopy was used. This latter treatment is proposed as the best for removal of intraventricular and cisternal cysts.