Cerebral sparganosis presenting as grand mal epilepsy

A rare case of cerebral sparganosis is described. This is an uncommon condition particularly in Europe. It is most frequently seen in SE Asia but may be found anywhere in the world. The life cycle of the causative organism is described and contrasted with the principal differential diagnosis of parasitic inflammatory lesions of the brain, Taenia solium, the causative organism of cysticercosis. The treatment of cerebral sparganosis is surgical and diagnosis is most commonly made at the time of pathological examination. The importance of pre-surgical diagnosis is stressed as the treatment of the cysticercosis is pharmacological.