hi my brother is facing a problem of neurocystcercosis, which was detected in the MRI report. and now the treatment is going on, proper dosage of medicines are going on, and their is mild perilesional edema, tell me is this curable and do it have any side effects in future, as he is doing animation so can he travel to the college in crowded of mumbai,
Hi, thanks for asking from Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. The neurocysticercosis is a curable disease. It is intestinal tapeworm infection which involves brain or spinal cord. It is treated by: Anti tapeworm medication - Albendazole or Ivermectin-Albendazole or Paraziquantel therapy is given for 1 to 3 months. Dose is prescribed according to body weight. There is no set duration of treatment: Anti-inflammatory - Steroids like Dexamethasone is given to control edema and severe inflammatory reaction caused by parasite. Painkiller like Diclofenac sodium can also be given to control headache and inflammation.: Anti-epileptics - Medication like Phenytoin or Levetiracetam is given to control seizures. It commonly causes seizures. CT brain is done after completion of treatment to evaluate the response. Decrease in edema, presence of calcification suggest death of parasite. However, despite all this, seizures or focal deficit may persist throughout life. Surgery is not considered as a good option as it can cause spread of parasite due to rupture. But cysts in ventricle or para ventricular location, large size with mass effect may need surgery. Regarding precautions after full treatment: Wait for subsidence of seizures. If it persists, continue medication as advised by doctor till full recovery. Seizure patient needs attention, full compliance to Chat Doctor.  Supervision of patient is always needed: Ask him to carry a card mentioning his name, disease name, treatment and what to do in case of acute seizure attack.: Always carry seizure medication whenever travelling outside or alone. Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care. If still doubt, consult doctor or ask another question.