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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Neurocysticercosis Curable With Medicines?

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,
Mon, 25 Apr 2016
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Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM.


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 paraventricular location, large size with mass effect may need surgery.

Regarding precautions after full treatment
: Wait for subsidence of seizures. If it persist, continue medication as advised by doctor till full recovery. Seizure patient needs attention, full compliance to drugs, should do work which does not precipitate seizure attack. Supervision of patient is always needed

: Ask him to carry a card mentioning about 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.

Dr Ishu Bishnoi
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Neurologist, Surgical Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas's  Response

Hi,

I am Dr.Bruno. I have read your question with care and understand your concerns. Let me try to help you

Question : 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,
Answer : If you take the Proper Dose for Full Duration, this is Curable
Please don't worry. Just take the medicines for the full duration as advised by the Neurosurgeon

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.
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Is Neurocysticercosis Curable With Medicines?

Hi, thanks for asking from HCM. 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 paraventricular location, large size with mass effect may need surgery. Regarding precautions after full treatment : Wait for subsidence of seizures. If it persist, continue medication as advised by doctor till full recovery. Seizure patient needs attention, full compliance to drugs, should do work which does not precipitate seizure attack. Supervision of patient is always needed : Ask him to carry a card mentioning about 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. Dr Ishu Bishnoi