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Indian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2019

01-01-2019 | Review Article

Pediatric Neurocysticercosis

Authors: Pratibha Singhi, Arushi Gahlot Saini

Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is the most common helminth infection of nervous system in humans caused by the encysted larvae of Taenia solium. It is a major cause of epilepsy in tropical areas and the most common cause of focal-onset seizures in North Indian children. Children with neurocysticercosis have pleomorphic manifestations depending on the location, number and viability of the cysts and host response. In endemic areas, neurocysticercosis should be clinically suspected in any child with recent-onset seizures, headache or focal motor deficits where there is no other suggestion of an underlying neurological disorder. Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is essentially based on neuroimaging; visualization of a scolex is diagnostic. Management includes use of cysticidal drugs usually albendazole, which seems to be effective for lesion resolution and seizure remission, use of steroids and anti-epileptic drugs. Single lesions portend good prognosis with resolution of lesions in >60% of the cases within 6 mo and good seizure control. Prognosis is guarded in cysticercus encephalitis, racemose and extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.
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Metadata
Title
Pediatric Neurocysticercosis
Authors
Pratibha Singhi
Arushi Gahlot Saini
Publication date
01-01-2019
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0019-5456
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7693
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2460-8

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