Neurocysticercosis in children

Twenty seven cases (13 male, 14 female) in the age group of 3-12 years with cerebral cysticercosis were studied and followed up to 3.9 years (mean 1.85 +/- 0.91 years). Seizures (partial 76% and generalized 23.8%) was the feature in 21 patients (77.7%) and raised intracranial tension in 15 (55.5%). Five patients (18.2%) had meningoencephalitis, while 4 (14.8%) had obstructive hydrocephalus due to intraventricular cysts in the 4th ventricle. Twenty two patients received cysticidal drugs (praziquantel or albendazole), while 8 had surgical intervention (CSF diversion, cyst removal, subtemporal decompression or extirpation of the cortical cyst). Mortality was 18.2%. Survivors had epilepsy in 18 patients (81.8%), dementia in 2 (9%), mental subnormality in 6 (27.2%) and hyperkinesia in 12 (54.5%).