Features of cysticercotic encephalitis:
(1) It occurs in a patient without previous exposure to cysticercosis, typically a child or young woman.
(2) It follows a large to massive exposure to Taenia solium eggs.
(3) There is a miliary distribution of cysticerci in the brain parenchyma.
(4) The patient develops an acute encephalitis secondary to the host immune response, with intracranial hypertension.
(5) Exclusion of other causes of encephalitis.
Clinical features may include:
(1) impaired vision with papilledema
(2) seizures
(3) headache
(4) psychiatric disturbances
Findings on brain imaging:
(1) numerous degenerating cysticerci
(2) marked cerebral edema
Drug therapy may exacerbate the encephalitis and cerebral edema.
