Care and Treatment of Cysticercosis

A byproduct of an infestation by the pork tapeworm, Cysticercosis is an infection that can cause blurry vision, seizures, headaches, confusion, trouble with balance, and even death, in extreme cases. Resulting in cysts throughout the body, Cysticercosis can be seen in the brain, muscles, and eyes.

As scary as it may sound, there are treatments available for Cysticercosis and for the pork tapeworm that causes it. To determine if you are infected, your doctor will likely recommend blood tests, a biopsy, and even a CT scan, MRI, or x-rays. Because Cysticercosis is caused by the pork tapeworm, care and treatment of this condition usually include anti-parasitic medicines. However, because it is an infection, it is also treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases that do not respond to this type of treatment, surgery may be needed. In addition, your doctor may recommend surgery for cases of Cysticercosis that occur in the eyes or have caused brain swelling.

If you think that you or someone you know has Cysticercosis, then you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.