Pleomorphism of the clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) remains a major public health problem in developing countries as it is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations are non-specific and pleomorphic. Case reports on uncommon presentations of NCC are few. We report six interesting cases of NCC with unusual clinical presentation that demonstrate this spectrum of pleomorphism. These include extrapyramidal disease (parkinsonism and focal dystonia), Kluver-Bucy syndrome, Weber's syndrome, dementia and cortical blindness. The clinical details and possible mechanisms for the uncommon presentations are also discussed. Thus, a high level of suspicion should be kept for NCC, especially in endemic zones and developing countries.