Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: A random evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma with new-onset seizures. Methods: In this open-label, randomized, prospective, follow-up study, 52 patients with new-onset seizures and a single enhancing CT lesion of cysticercus were randomly divided in two groups to receive either intravenous methyl prednisolone for 5 days along with antiepileptic drug (n = 25) or antiepileptic drug monotherapy (n = 27) alone. The patients were followed up for at least for 9 months. Repeat CT scans were performed after 2 months. Results: After 2 months, lesion disappeared in 60% patients of intravenous methyl prednisolone group and 18.5% patients receiving only antiepileptic drug (p = 0.001). As far as seizure recurrence was concerned, a lower number (16% versus 33%) of intravenous methyl prednisolone treated patient had recurrence, the difference was insignificant. Conclusion: Intravenous methyl prednisolone therapy helps in early resolution of solitary cysticercus granuloma. © 2006 British Epilepsy Association.