How To Prevent And Treat Neurocysticercosis

Surgical Extirpation

Surgical extirpation is a treatment option for neurocysticercosis that may mitigate some of the adverse effects patients often experience through medication. This option is generally recommended in cases when hydrocephalus occurs. Hydrocephalus is the presence of excess fluid and pressure on the brain. Medical professionals recommend placing a ventricular shunt before removing a cyst. From there, surgically removing the cyst from the brain can help circumvent the inflammatory process. Since the parasites aren't dying in the brain, there's no reason for the brain to respond with inflammation. Not everyone will benefit from this surgery, and the ideal treatment options depend on the symptom progression. Neurocysticercosis may have remission both with and without treatment. In addition, the symptoms might disappear for a long time, or patients may continue having the same symptoms until their death.