A Case of Neurocysticercosis in a Teenager

Abstract

The flatworm Taenia solium, which causes infection in immunocompetent patients in the central nervous system (CNS) as neurocysticercosis (NCC), can cause seizures, behavioral disturbances, obstructive hydrocephalus and can generate other neurological signs. It was considered prevalent in underdeveloped countries as a neglected disease, today due to the ease of transportation and migrant population it can be seen in developed countries, WHO considers cysticercosis as a serious public health problem. Female adolescent patient, 15 years old, with no previous history of importance, who consulted for a clinical picture of 20 minutes of evolution consisting of generalized tonic-clonic movements, sup aversion of the gaze, disconnection with the environment of 5 minutes duration that self-resolved, He referred previous episodes of headache, at admission the patient was in a post-ictal state, magnetic resonance imaging report focal lesions in left frontal subcortical cortical topography and right frontal basal peri ependymal topography that could be related to neurocysticercosis in different evolutionary stages. NCC is an important pathology that affects children in urban and rural areas from an early age. The knowledge of hygiene habits within the home and the keeping of pigs should be increased; knowing the clinical picture in time, epidemiological intervention can be conducted, interrupting the chain of transmission and avoiding complications.