Neurocysticercosis is uncommon in the United States, and the inexperienced clinician is advised to consult an infectious disease or tropical medicine specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Physicians can consult with CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria to obtain information about diagnosis and treatment (dpdx@cdc.gov; www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx). Albendazole and dexamethasone are some of the drugs used for treatment. For some lesions, surgical intervention may be the treatment of choice.
Antiparasitic treatment should not be initiated in patients with heavy infections, cysticercotic encephalitis, or increased intracranial pressure, because dying cysts can worsen symptoms and cause increased inflammation and edema. In these cases, the priority is neurologic management (steroids, mannitol), neurosurgical management, or both.