An update on Neurocysticercosis-related epilepsy

• Published in: Clinical neurology and neurosurgery Vol. 213; p. 107139
• Main Authors: Espino, P.H., Couper, R.G., Burneo, J.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.02.2022; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Anthelmintic agents; Calcification; Convulsions & seizures; Corticosteroids; Cysticercosis; Cysts; Developing countries; Edema; Epilepsy; Epileptogenesis; Genetic factors; Gliosis; Hippocampus; Immune response; Infections; Inflammation; LDCs; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medical imaging; Neurocysticercosis; Neurology; Population; Public health; Risk factors; Sclerosis; Seizures; Steroids; Taenia solium; Asia; Africa; Epileptogenesis; Neurocysticercosis; Taenia solium; Epilepsy; Seizures
• ISSN: 0303-8467; 1872-6968
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107139

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered a public health problem in various parts of the world and is one of the preventable causes of epilepsy in developing countries. Epileptic seizures are the most common manifestation of NCC and can occur in any stage of the disease. The development of neurocysticercosis-related epilepsy continues to be poorly understood. Some potential explanations include a direct causal relationship, a result of an initial precipitating injury or linked to an external factor, and the remote possibility of coincidence. Various factors contributing to epileptogenesis have been proposed, including calcified lesions, residual gliosis, inflammatory immune response (influenced by genetic factors) and a potential association with hippocampal sclerosis. Treating NCC with antihelminthics, corticosteroids or antiseizure medications have ensured a large percentage of patients can adequately control their epileptic seizures. Cases of refractory epilepsy are rare. Finally, more prospective studies are still needed to have a better understanding of this disease. •Epileptic seizures are the most common manifestation of Neurocysticercosis.•Epilepsy usually develops in the presence of residual lesions: calcification and gliosis.•Inflammation and genetic factors are likely involved in the process of epileptogenesis.•The relation between Neurocysticercosis, hippocampal sclerosis and epilepsy is still unknown.•Drug resistant epilepsy is rare, and its surgical treatment appears to leads to good results.