Neurocysticercosis (neural infection by larvae of Taenia solium) occurs when humans become intermediate hosts of the tapeworm Taenia solium after ingesting its eggs. The disease is now the most common helminthic infection of the nervous system in humans, and its prevalence has risen significantly even in countries where it was formerly considered exotic. The introduction of modern neuroimaging and serologic techniques has improved the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis; furthermore, the development of potent cysticidal drugs has changed the prognosis of most affected patients. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned about this parasitic disease. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the various aspects of cysticercosis of the nervous system that will be of interest to all who are involved in the care of patients with this disease. Epidemiology, neuropathology, immunopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management are all thoroughly discussed based on current evidence and practice.

1 Foreword

2 History of taeniasis and cysticercosis
3 Epidemiology of human cysticercosis:
Cysticercosis in endemic regions
Cysticercosis in travelers and non-endemic regions
4 Life cycle and biological characteristics of Taenia solium
5 Neuropathology of cysticercosis and evolutive stages of cysticerci
6 Immunopathogenesis of cysticercosis
7 Clinical manifestations of Parenchymal neurocysticercosis:
Epilepsy
Focal neurological deficits
Cognitive decline and psychiatric alterations
Increased intracranial pressure
8 Clinical manifestations of Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis:
Intraventricular NCC
Cysticercosis of the Sylvian fissure and basal CSF cisterns
Subarachnoid NCC of the convexity
9 Diagnosis of cysticercosis (and Taeniasis):
Neuroimaging
Immunological diagnosis
Other exams
Diagnosis of taeniasis
Diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis
10 Management of neurocysticercosis:
Cysticidal drugs (albendazole and praziquantel) Surgery
11 Control and perspectives for elimination.