How To Prevent And Treat Neurocysticercosis

Anticonvulsants

Epilepsy and seizures are the most common symptoms of neurocysticercosis. It's important to treat epilepsy to allow patients to function with the greatest possible degree of independence and safety. Anticonvulsants are medications used to help with seizures, regardless of the underlying cause. The exact anticonvulsant medication prescribed will vary depending on a patient's circumstances.

With normal brain function, millions of neurons communicate with each other. They do so by sending electrical signals through their connections. Seizures happen when the electrical impulses are imbalanced, causing the neurons to function abnormally. Antiepileptics work in a few different ways. They alter electrical activity in a patient's neurons, alter the chemical transmission pathways between neurons, or protect the brain's channels from excess electricity.

Anticysticercal Medication

Another important treatment option for neurocysticercosis is anticysticercal medication. This medication helps treat the cysts in the brain. Health professionals will sometimes pair one of these medications with an antiepileptic, so the patient's seizures and cysts are both treated. Two of the most commonly used medications are albendazole and praziquantel, which reduce both the size and number of cysts.

The best treatment for a patient varies, and there have been multiple recorded reactions from patients. There's some evidence this type of medication will cause adverse reactions. As the parasites in the brain die, the body responds with inflammatory signals that can cause further symptoms. Doctors may sometimes prescribe steroids to alleviate the inflammatory response.