Cysticercosis

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Digestive system organs

The doctor may treat the infection with an antiparasitic medication, often in conjunction with steroid medication to reduce swelling. If the cyst is in certain locations, such as the eye or the brain, steroids may be started a few days before the antibiotic to avoid problems caused by swelling during antiparasitic treatment.

Sometimes surgery may be needed to remove the infected area.

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

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

If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider to discuss whether you may have cysticercosis.

Review Date: 03/06/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.