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Category: Volume 08 Issue 11 November 2020
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Title: An Unusual Case of Neurocysticercosis

Authors: Dr Upasana Kujur, Dr Subhasis Pradhan, Dr R.K.Jha

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i11.76

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a significantly neglected tropical disease and, with increasing globalisation, a notable emerging infection in the developed world. It is one of the seven neglected endemic zoonoses targeted by the World Health Organization and is considered a common infection of the nervous system caused by the Taenia solium. It is known to be the primary cause of preventable epilepsy in many developing countries. Neurocysticercosis is a specific form of the infectious parasitic disease cysticercosis which is caused by infection with Taenia Solium, a tapeworm found in pigs. Neurocysticercosis commonly occurs by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs after consuming undercooked pork, or contaminated water. The cysts formed by the infection grow  within the brain and and spinal cord within the nervous system causing neurologic symptoms such as dizziness, severe headache ,epileptic seizures beside other pathological manifestations. It has been called a "hidden epidemic and  "arguably the most common parasitic  disease of the human nervous system". Clinical investigations are focused on development of effective treatments and reduction of side-effects induced by treatment, such as seizures, hydrocephalus, infarcts, and neuroinjury. A patient came to our ER with complaints acute onset of loss of consciousness for 1 day. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated multilobulated cystic mass with typical STARRY SKY APPEARANCE  in the brain with the suspicion of neurocysticercosis

Keywords: Neurocysticercosis (NCC), zoonosis, STARRY SKY APPEARANCE.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Upasana Kujur

Junior Resident, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India