Transient hemifacial spasm associated with subarachnoid brainstem cysticercosis: a case report

The authors present the case of a 69 year old woman who developed bladder incontinence and confusion. A CT scan showed severe hydrocephalus and calcifications, prompting a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. On the day after operation the patient presented left hemifacial spasm. MR revealed a subarachnoid cysticercus rostral to the pons, and surgical excision was proposed. She refused surgery and was placed on prednisone. Brainstem auditory responses were absent on the left side 2 months after shunting and were still abnormal 53 months later. The hemifacial spasm disappeared 3 months after shunt placement and has not recurred in 5 years of follow-up.