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Chapter-037 Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System

BOOK TITLE: Textbook of Contemporary Neurosurgery (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Symss Nigel P
ISBN
9789350252390
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11681_37
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2012
Pages
14
Author Affiliations
1. Achanta Lakshmipathi Neurosurgical Center, VHS Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Parasitic infections of neurosurgical interest are discussed in this chapter. Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. Humans are the only known primary hosts for T. solium (Tape worm), whereas both pigs and humans act as intermediate hosts for the larval form or cysticercus. Tapeworm infestation can occur only in nonvegetarians, but cysticercosis can occur in vegetarians also by ingestion of food contaminated with T. solium eggs and through the fecal-oral route in individuals harboring the intestinal tapeworm. Cysts can be parenchymal, subarachnoid, intraventricular or in the spinal cord. Active cysts usually do not cause clinical symptoms unless located in areas of the brain where they may cause seizures or hydrocephalus. Symptoms associated with the parenchymal lesions largely result from the host’s inflammatory response to the dead or dying larva; hence steroids before anti helminthic treatment is advised. Cysticidal drugs, praziquantel and albendazole, are avoided in ventricular cysts and encephalitis in NCC. Hydatid cysts are treated primarily with surgery.

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