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Neurocysticercosis presenting as a 'Stroke Mimic'
Reza Ghasemi1, Aimee Rowe2, Rajiv Shah3
1MRCP PhD, Consultant Acute Physician, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, DE22 3NE, UK.
Acute Medicine
|July 22, 2016
Summary
Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection, can mimic stroke symptoms like weakness and sensory loss. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiparasitic drugs and steroids lead to significant recovery in patients from endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Neurocysticercosis is a significant public health concern in endemic regions, often presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Differential diagnosis for focal neurological deficits includes vascular events and parasitic infections.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old Nepalese man presented with left-sided weakness and sensory loss, initially suspected as acute infarction.
- Brain CT showed possible infarction, but MRI revealed cysts with edema, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Positive cysticercosis serology confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
- The patient showed substantial improvement following treatment with albendazole, praziquantel, and steroids.
Implications:
- Neurocysticercosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for focal neurological deficits in patients from endemic areas.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to near-complete recovery, improving patient outcomes.
