Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Corticosteroid use in neurocysticercosis
Theodore E Nash1, Siddhartha Mahanty, Hector H Garcia
1Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, NIH, 4 Center Drive, Building 4, Room 126, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|July 30, 2011
Summary
Neurocysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larvae in the brain, triggers inflammation and seizures. This review examines corticosteroid use for managing neuroinflammation and discusses alternative anti-inflammatory strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the human nervous system by Taenia solium larvae, is a leading cause of seizures globally.
- Inflammation surrounding the parasites is a key feature of neurocysticercosis, contributing to neurological damage.
- Corticosteroids are frequently used to manage neuroinflammation in neurocysticercosis, but optimal treatment protocols are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of corticosteroids in managing neuroinflammation associated with neurocysticercosis.
- To evaluate the evidence, safety, and limitations of corticosteroid therapy.
- To explore alternative anti-inflammatory strategies for neurocysticercosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neurocysticercosis pathophysiology and treatment.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and safety profiles of corticosteroids.
- Discussion of emerging anti-inflammatory approaches.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroids can reduce neuroinflammation and neurological complications in neurocysticercosis.
- Limited controlled data exist regarding optimal corticosteroid type, dosage, and duration.
- Potential adverse effects and challenges associated with corticosteroid use require careful consideration.
Conclusions:
- Corticosteroids remain a cornerstone in managing neuroinflammation in neurocysticercosis, despite limited evidence for specific regimens.
- Further research is needed to optimize corticosteroid therapy and explore alternative anti-inflammatory agents.
- Effective management strategies should aim to mitigate parasite-induced inflammation and prevent long-term neurological sequelae.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...