Pathogenesis and neuropsychological sequelae in cysticercosis: a case study.
Cysticercosis is a disease that occurs via the dissemination of the larvae form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium to various organ systems, including the central nervous system. Sequelae may include seizures and neuropsychological impairment. The present case study involves a 45-year-old Caucasian female executive diagnosed with neurocysticercosis. Evaluation methods consisted of neuropsychological and electrophysiological assessment. Both neuropsychological evaluation and electrophysiological testing suggested right temporal and right parietal lobe dysfunction. Comparison of neuropsychological and quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) test results yielded high agreement in terms of site of lesion as documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography scan (CT scan) findings. Neuropsychological findings are described in detail, as well as a description of subsequent neurocognitive rehabilitation. Serial assessment is delineated and compared with the baseline evaluation. This case study serves to underscore the clinical utility of neuropsychological assessment and neurocognitive rehabilitation in infectious disease consultations, specifically in neurocysticercosis.
Pimental
Patricia A
PA
Midwestern University, Downer's Grove, Illinois, USA. dr.pimental@comcast.net
Siegel
Rhonda
R
Gregor
Mia M
MM
D000818:Animals; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology*; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000150:complications*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D041201:Taenia solium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed