Unusual cause of seizures in Singapore: neurocysticercosis

Foo SS, Selvan VS, Clarke MJ, Shen EJE
Correspondence: Dr V Senthamil Selvan, selvan_senthamil@alexhosp.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Neurocysticercosis is the commonest cause for adult onset of seizures in developing countries, and is relatively uncommon in Singapore. However, with the influx of foreign workers from developing countries, we need to consider it as a differential diagnosis in our approach to adult-onset seizures in this group of patients. We describe a neurocysticercosis occurring in a 22-year-old Indian man who presented with a single episode of generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a well-defined, hypointense lesion in the cortical and subcortical regions of the left frontal lobe with adjacent vasogenic oedema. Following contrast administration, a well-defined ring enhancement was noted, with suggestion of some internal enhancement. Imaging findings were suggestive of neurocysticercosis. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the brain two weeks after treatment showed lesion resolution.

Keywords: adult-onset seizures, central nervous system infection, neurocysticercosis, Taenia solium, tapeworm infection
Singapore Med J 2008; 49(6): e147-e150