Cysticercosis : Treatment

Treatment

Treatment may involve:

• Medications to kill the parasites (antiparasitic treatments)
• Powerful anti-inflammatories (steroids) to reduce swelling

If the cyst is in the eye or the brain, steroids should be started a few days before other medicines to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment. Not all patients benefit from antiparastic treatment.

Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.

Prognosis (Expectations)

The outlook is generally good, unless the lesion has caused blindness, heart failure, or brain damage. These are rare complications.

Complications

• Blindness, decreased vision
• Heart failure or abnormal rhythm
• Seizures, increased pressure in the brain

Calling Your Health Care Provider

If you have any symptoms of cysticercosis, contact your health care provider.

• Cysticercosis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Cysticercosis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Cysticercosis : Treatment

Review Date : 9/1/2008
Reviewed By : Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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