Secondary narcolepsy following neurocysticercosis infection

The authors describe a case of secondary narcolepsy resulting from neurocysticercosis infection. Neurocysticercosis is a common central nervous system parasitic disease endemic to Central and South America caused by ingestion of eggs from a host with intestinal taeniasis. Neurological deficits depend on lesion location. Our case developed a hypothalamic cyst causing severe sleepiness and sleep-onset rapid eye movement periods on both polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing. The cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin-1 level was normal indicating secondary narcolepsy can result without failure of hypocretin production. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis should be considered in any individual with excessive sleepiness and recent travel to endemic regions of the world.