Have access already?

Get access to this chapter:

Or get access to the entire book:

18: A 38-Year-Old Brazilian Woman Presenting With Reversible Parkinsonism Associated With Neurocysticercosis

DOI:

10.1891/9781617050589.0018

Authors

  • Teive, Hélio A.G.

Abstract

This chapter discusses the case of a 38-year-old woman with diffuse, occasionally throbbing, headaches associated with nausea, which was worse while waking, together with intense pain accompanied by episodes of vomiting, diplopia, drowsiness, and torpor. Since symptoms’ onset, she reported being slower and having bilateral hand tremor. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated a mild inflammatory reaction and neurocysticercosis (NCC) as detected by positive reactions to cysticercus antigens. She was assessed in the neurology service and diagnosed with intracranial hypertension after a brain MRI that showed the presence of supratentorial hydrocephalus with evidence of intraventricular cysts, as well as edema in the midbrain periaqueductal region. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was then started, together with half a tablet of levodopa/carbidopa, with progressive improvement in the symptoms of parkinsonism. Eight months later, she was progressively taken off entacapone and then levodopa. She remained asymptomatic and returned to normal activities of daily life.