Neurocysticercosis in patients presenting with epilepsy at St Elizabeth's Hospital, Lusikisiki.

OBJECTIVE

To survey the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients treated for epilepsy in Lusikisiki, E Cape.

DESIGN

This was a descriptive study. Variables considered were age, gender, symptoms and type of seizure, serological data, electroencephalogram and computed tomography (CT) findings, treatment, and ownership of pigs. Prevalence and risk assessment were determined by statistical analysis.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

113 patients presenting with epilepsy at St Elizabeth's Hospital, Lusikisiki, E Cape.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients presenting with epilepsy.

RESULTS

CT scans indicated that 61.1% of the patients had neurocysticercosis-associated epilepsy, the prevalence being highest in the 10 - 19-year-old age group (12.4% of the total). Neuro-imaging studies showed that calcified lesions were frequent, while active lesions were often associated with positive serological results. Non-commercial pig farming was not a significant risk factor for neurocysticercosis in the sample studied.

CONCLUSION

Neurocysticercosis was common in patients presenting with and undergoing treatment for epilepsy.