Neurocysticercosis in Children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2022 Feb;69(1):115-127. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.09.005.

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in the central nervous system in children. The usual clinical manifestation is new-onset focal seizure. However, there are other multiple clinical manifestations, such as increased intracranial pressure, meningoencephalitis, spinal cord syndrome, and blindness. The diagnosis needs high index of suspicion with clinical history, physical examination, neuroimaging, and immunologic studies. Recent advances in neuroimaging and serology facilitate the accurate diagnosis. Management of neurocysticercosis should focus on critical symptoms first, such as the use of antiepileptic drugs and medical or surgical therapy for increased intracranial pressure.

Keywords: Critical care; Neurocysticercosis; Pediatric; Seizure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blindness / parasitology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / parasitology
  • Neurocysticercosis / diagnosis*
  • Neurocysticercosis / drug therapy*
  • Neurocysticercosis / epidemiology
  • Neuroimaging / methods
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / parasitology
  • Taenia solium / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Albendazole