All information about neurocysticercosis required for nursing student

1. SUBMITTED TO :-
MR. MATADEEN
TUTOR , COLLEGE OF NURSING
SGPGIMS
SUBMITTED BY :-
SURBHI SINGH
BSC. NURSING 3RD YEAR
COLLEGE OF NURSING
SGPGIMS

2. INTRODUCTION :-
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic
infection of the brain and central
nervous system caused by the larval
stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. It
occurs when humans consume
undercooked pork contaminated with
tapeworm eggs. The larvae then migrate
to the brain, leading to a range of
neurological symptoms such as seizures,
headaches, and cognitive impairments.
Diagnosis and treatment involve
neuroimaging and medication to kill the
parasites.

3. DEFINITION :-
Neurocysticercosis is a preventable parasitic
infection caused by larval cysts (enclosed sacs
containing the immature stage of a parasite) of
the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). The larval
cysts can infect various parts of the body
causing a condition known as cysticercosis.
Larval cysts in the brain cause a form of
cysticercosis called neurocysticercosis which can
lead to seizures.
- BY WHO

4. LITTLE ABOUT TAENIA SOLIUM :-
Taenia solium is a tapeworm
belonging to the class Cestoda.
The incubation period for an
infection with Taenia solium
can vary, but it generally
ranges from weeks to months
Found in – contaminated
food , water , poor filthy places
, pork , and river banks

5. RISK
FACTORS :-
POOR SANITATION
PRACTICE POOR PERSONAL HYGIENE
CONSUMING UNCOOKED OR UNDER
COOKED FOOD
INGESTION OF PORK AND PORK DISHES
EXPOSURE TO FECAL CONTAMINATION
DOING OPEN DEFECATION
LACK OF AWARENESS ABOUT HAND
HYGIENE AND MAINTAINANCE OF
CLEANINESS

6. CAUSES OF
NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS :-
Parasitic infection – larval stage of
Taenia Solium
Ingestion of eggs – ingestion of eggs of
Taenia Solium. Through contaminated
food or water
Brain infection
Cyst formation in brain due to larvae of
T.S.
Human – pig infection cycle
Humans are define hosts for the tape
worm , while pigs are intermediate hosts

7. HUMAN –PIG CYCLE :-

8. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF
NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS

10. DIAGNOSTIC
EVALUATION :-
History collection – travel , ingestion of
contaminated food and water
Physical examination
Serological tests – blood ELISA , western blot
test ( to detect antibodies against T.S. )
Cerebro fluid analysis for elevated antibodies
and eggs of T.S.
Differential diagnosis
Neuro scaning :- CT scan , MRI
Cyst characterstics
EEG

11. MANAGEMENT :-

12. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT :-
Includes typically antiparasitic drugs to kill
the T.S. Larvae :-
Tab. Albandazole
Tab. Praziquintel
Corticosteroids
Symptomatic treatment :-
Medication can be to treat allivated
temperature , vomiting , headache , reduce ICP
.
Monitoring :- vitals , fluid intake output
Along with this the management of
complications .

13. SURGICAL TREATMENT :-
Surgery is indicated in com[lications
like hydrocephalus , cyst causing
significant mass effects .
Surgeries indicated :-
Cyst removal – endoscopic as well as
open brain surgery as per location of
cyst .
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt – to drain
excess Cerebrospinal fluid
Close monitoring after surgery is
necessary , along with continued
antiparasitic treatment , antibiotics and
symptomatic treatment .

15. NURSING MANAGEMENT :-

16. NURSING MANAGEMENT :-
Assessment :- asses patient condition , neurological status , including any changes in
sensory deficit , motor function and level of consciousness.
Implement seizure precaution as per need .
Properly monitor shunt and surgical area .
Administer accordingly and follow 16 R’s of drug administration .
Neurological monitoring ( EEG ) for any signs of fits , gait changes , tremors .
Pain management can be implemented :- give analgesics in severe pain .
Maintain hydration , high protein and nutritious diet
Vital monitoring and fluid intake output status .

17. COMPLICATIONS :-
Migraine type headache
 Hydrocephalus
 Partial vision loss
 Paralysis
Radiculopatathy
Cerebrovascular complications
 Cranial nerve palsy
Intracranial haemorrhage
cognitive dysfunction
psychiatric disease
Parkinson-like syndromes
 Thrombosis
Endarteritis
inflammatory aneurysms

18. NURSING DIAGNOSIS :-
Acute pain related to increased ICP as verbalized by patient
and changed facial grimace.
Impaired neurological function related to disease condition
as evidenced by confusion , memory impairment , seizure.
Impaired physical mobility related to neurological
alterations as evidenced by decreased activity .
Risk for infection due to surgery .
Fear and anxiety of lack of knowledge related to disease
condition .

19. SUMMARY
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the brain caused by the larvae of the
tapeworm Taenia solium. It’s prevalent in regions with poor sanitation and is a leading
cause of epilepsy in many developing countries. The larvae can form cysts in the brain,
leading to a range of neurological symptoms, including seizures, headaches, and
cognitive issues. Diagnosis is often done through imaging techniques like MRI or CT
scans. Treatment involves antiparasitic medications and sometimes surgery to remove
the cysts. Preventing the disease involves improved sanitation and proper cooking of
pork, which can harbor the tapeworm’s eggs.

20. CONCLUSION
Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval form of Taenia
solium, affects the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to
seizures, headaches, and neurological deficits. Diagnosis
and treatment can be complex due to diverse symptoms.
Prevention involves proper sanitation and meat
inspection. Public awareness is crucial to mitigate this
preventable and treatable disease.

23. REFERENCES
Book :-
1. The clinical practice of " Neurological , neurological Nursing, 84 Edition,
2. Joaner, Hickey & Andrical.
3. Ф Cysticercosis of the human Nervous System. Ist Edition 2013, Oscar H.
Del Bounto.
4. MSN Text book Neurological & Neurosurgical Nursing, Clement
5. Other Source:-
6. Cercosis: update –Article Neurocysticercosis Jan 2005, Laucet Infectious
Disease
7. O www.ncbi.nlm. "gov. com.
8. Pptx //neurocysticercoss. Org.