Conditions and symptoms
What Is Neurocysticercosis? Brain Tapeworm Explained
Neurocysticercosis · say it: NOOR-oh-SIS-tih-ser-KOH-sisAlso written: NCC, cysticercosis of the brain, pork tapeworm brain infection
Short answer
Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the brain with larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, and is a common cause of seizures in some parts of the world.
What it means
Neurocysticercosis happens when eggs of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) are swallowed, usually through food or water contaminated by an infected person, and the larvae form cysts in the brain. It can cause seizures, headaches and other neurological problems, though some people have no symptoms. A first seizure, a severe sudden headache or confusion needs urgent medical help. It is diagnosed with brain scans and blood tests.
It appears on the labels of anthelmintics such as albendazole and praziquantel, which list it as a use. The labels warn that when the cysts die, the body's reaction can cause brain inflammation, worse headaches or seizures, so corticosteroids and anti-seizure medicines are often given alongside. They also warn that cysts in the eye should be checked before treatment, and that some patients with many cysts or raised brain pressure need special care.
It is not caused by eating pork with tapeworm cysts directly; that causes a gut tapeworm. Brain cysts come from swallowing tapeworm eggs.
Where you may see it
- 'Indications' and 'Warnings' sections of albendazole and praziquantel labels
- Brain CT and MRI reports ('calcified cysts')
- Neurology and infectious disease letters
📄 How it looks on a report
CT head: multiple small calcified lesions consistent with prior neurocysticercosis.
🙅 What it does not mean
- It is not passed on simply by being near someone with it.
- Calcified cysts on a scan do not always mean an active infection.
- Treatment side effects such as headache do not mean the treatment is failing, but they should be reported.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Neurocysticercosis”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Albendazole
an anthelmintic drug, a medicine used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Neurocysticercosis” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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