Albendazole therapy for human neurocysticercosis, a controlled study with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance.

Until recently, there was no specific pharmacologic treatment for neurocysticercosis (NC). Surgery and steroids were the only medical alternatives for this disorder, which in some areas of the world affects between 3% and 4% of the general population, and in many cases is a major cause of neurologic disability. Praziquantel, an isoquinoline, was the first drug to show a potential efficacy for treatment of NC. In 1984, we reported the therapeutic effectiveness of praziquantel for brain cysticercosis. In this report we present the results of a study of 3 groups of patients treated for parenchymal NC with Albendazole, a benzimidazole active against most intestinal helminths, with proven activity at high doses against human hydatidosis.