Neurocysticercosis: An Overview

Neurocysticercosis or NCC is mainly a disorder of the brain and its layers caused by the larval phase of “tapeworm Taenia sodium.” It is also a widespread helminthic infestation in the main nervous system. Also, it is a prominent reason for developing epilepsy around the world.

Hence, NCC generates neurological disorders that differ from an asymptomatic illness to immediate death. The mainstay of diagnosis is Neuroimaging. It is better recommended in victims inhabiting endemic regions with particular CT scan results of neurocysticercosis cases

Neurocysticercosis Causes
Neurocysticercosis is the effect of unexpected “ingestion of eggs of Taenia sodium” (pork tapeworm). Therefore, it occurs mainly because of the intake of this tapeworm in inadequately cooked meat. In several regions, neurocysticercosis is a considerably familiar parasitic infection of the nervous system. Hence, it is also the main factor in causing epilepsy.

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of clinical phenomena of neurocysticercosis change according to the region and climate. Moreover, there are several asymptomatic patients as well. Also, both indications and signs will depend on the direction and amount of cysts in a person’s body. Therefore, these are the following symptoms of neurocysticercosis.

Cysts appearing in the muscles:
Firstly, in these neurocysticercosis cases, the cysts appearing in the muscles don’t have any major symptoms. But, you may feel some lumps under the skin. Hence, these lumps can be tender sometimes.

Cysts in the eyes:
Secondly, cysts appearing in the eye are rare. In this case, the cysts float in the eye. As a result, it causes blurry vision. Also, it causes detachment and swelling of the retina.

Neurocysticercosis (cysts in the brain, spinal cord):
Headaches and seizures are extremely common symptoms. However, other symptoms may vary depending on how and where the cysts appear in the brain. Due to this, the patients feel low attention, confusion, balancing difficulties, etc. Along with that, excessive fluids also start to appear around the brain. As a result, it can also cause death.

Neurocysticercosis stages
There are, in general, five Neurocysticercosis stages. This is because it aligns with the life wheel of the germ that affects it.

Noncystic
At this initial phase, the germ of the parasite is not visible on CT and MRI scan reports.

Yet, there will be minor regions of nodes. After a few months, they become lesions. It is because the embryo starts to develop as cysts in the area. Thus, you must remain prepared for neurocysticercosis prevention.

 Vesicular
At this phase, additionally, translucent walls appear around the cysts. These walls carry transparent liquid, including germs. Therefore, as lengthy as the cysts live untouched, the individual tends not to respond.

Colloidal vesicular
In this, the thick walls start to appear. The fluid in these walls becomes cloudy. And the individual starts to suffer a severe inflammatory reaction. Therefore, it may be expected that the parasite will degenerate, either from therapy or the normal procedure of the disease.

After all these, a radiographic investigation probably reveals cystic lesions and lumps. It is widespread for an individual to endure attacks.

Granular vesicular
At this phase, the lump has faded, but there are some chances that seizures may occur. Generally, seizures happen mainly during the granular and colloidal stages. Thus, this happens in the inflammation areas around the parasite.

Calcific stage
Reaching this stage means that the parasite has eventually died. In such cases, Calcifications shaped are not strong nodules. However, they further include the excesses of the parasitic coverings.

Therefore, attacks may occur because the epidemic is connected to the vulnerability attached to the resistance power of the patient.

Neurocysticercosis treatment
However, neurocysticercosis treatment depends on the type of site, amount, extent, and phase of cysticerci. “Anthelmintic chemotherapy” for “symptomatic neurocysticercosis” is hardly a medical crisis.

Mainly, the treatment focuses on the removal of parasites and controlling seizures. They also manage the symptoms by managing the swelling, intracranial hypertension, etc. Thus, doctors can use specific drugs to destroy the parasites, which is also called anthelmintic therapy.

Furthermore, the doctor can also administer some steroids for suppressing the inflammatory response. Also, the recovery period can vary from person to person. Thus, one has to follow the strict guidelines of the doctor.

How to prevent it
Therefore, these are the following steps through which you can opt for easy Neurocysticercosis prevention.

  • Rinse both hands with foam and clean water after going to the toilet, changing diapers, and regulating diet.
  • Wash hands, fingers and nails thoroughly to prevent the accumulation of any germs. 
  • Thirdly, you should wash all fresh vegetables and fruits well before cooking.

Final thoughts
In conclusion, the above information can help you understand the neurocysticercosis causes. So, now you can take certain necessary precautions to protect yourself from this disease. Also, if you are already affected, then you should consult a doctor immediately.