Cysticercosis: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Cysticercosis is also known as 'pork tapeworm infection' and 'taenia solium cysticercosis'.

Cysticercosis is caused due to the intake of pork meat in a human body. Tapeworks of around one metre or so can form in the body. These tapeworms occur due to poor hygienic conditions of pigs that make an infestation in the human body due to consumption.

The common symptoms include headaches, seizures, confusion and changes in vision.

These mostly occur in raw or undercooked pork meat which are considered unhealthy for intake.This condition should be treated immediately as it can lead to neurological complications.

Characteristic cysts most commonly form in the central nervous system and interfere with the working of the same, causing seizures or headaches. These tapeworms are rarely deadly, but can cause a lot of damage to the nervous system if not treated on time. Some individuals however do not experience any symptoms at all.

It is often hard to detect the condition in individuals as some do not even experience the symptoms. However, a CT scan or an MRI of the brain showing uncommon imagery can very well help to detect the condition.

This is preceded by anthelmintic agents, corticosteroids, anticonvulsant medications or surgery. The kind of treatment would depend from person to person, depending on the symptoms shown and number of cysts developed in the body.

It can also be treated by medication like praziquantel or niclosamide. These can eliminate the cysts from the body, but have to be used carefully as the reaction to these medications can lead to inflammation around the cysts which are deemed to be painful.

Any individual having cysticercosis is eligible to undergo treatment.

Pregnant women need to be careful to undergo treatment as these cysts can interfere with the production of their babies.

The treatment does not really have side effects but the medication needs to be taken in adequate quantities. There is a slight possibility of a reaction to the medication, leading to inflammation around the cysts while they are being eradicated. These can be very painful.

The individual is advised to have proper rest after the cysts are removed from the body.

The patient also has to ensure to stay in hygienic conditions only and avoid raw or uncooked pig.

Generally it takes around 2 weeks or so for the cysts to be treated.

The price of the treatment would range around Rs. 1, 500.

Yes, the results of the treatment are generally permanent.