Journal of Spine

Intramedullary Cysticercosis - A Case Report

Abstract

Bivek Pokhrel, Pranaya Shrestha and Basant Pant

Neurocysticercosis is the disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Taenia Solium which is the most common parasitic infection of the nervous system which is the public health burden in Nepal. However, the involvement of the spinal cord i.e., intramedullary cysticercosis is very rare. The symptoms can vary from the backache or radicular pain to the development of cauda equina syndrome. We report a case of 21 years’ male presented with history of low back pain and weakness of bilateral lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) whole spine was done which shows hyper-intense lesion in T2 sequence at the level of 10th thoracic vertebra. Intramedullary cysticercosis have very good result after surgery. Patient had gained the motor power after decompression of spinal cord and the quality of life has been improved. Though it’s a rare disease but in country like Nepal it could be presented as various other diseases which could be neglected or misdiagnosed.