Clinical pleomorphism of neurocysticercosis in children: Some unusual manifestations

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major public health problem as it is the most common helminthic infestation of the central nervous system in developing countries. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific and pleomorphic, but case reports on uncommon presentations of NCC in children are relatively few. We report four cases of NCC in children, with unusual clinical presentations, which exhibit the spectrum of clinical pleomorphism. These include cases presenting with syndrome of cerebellar ataxia, focal dystonia, stroke and dementia. Their clinical details and possible mechanism for these uncommon presentations are also discussed. Thus, a high level of suspicion should be kept for NCC, especially in endemic zones and developing countries. It is important that neurologists become familiar with this disorder, as they are involved in the diagnosis and management of NCC and will play an important role in efforts to control the disease.

Keywords

Ataxia - dementia - focal dystonia - neurocysticercosis - stroke