Neurocysticercosis and Epilepsy: A Review

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval form of the tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is an endemic disease, especially in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. The flow of travelers and immigrants from these places to the developed countries has contributed to increase the prevalence also in Europe and North America. It is known that in addition to genetic and structural causes, infectious and inflammatory causes can also be common causes of epilepsy. Some studies points neurocysticercosis as one of the leading causes of epilepsy in the world. The objective of this review is to highlight the main epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical aspects that correlate neurocysticercosis with epilepsy.