Neurosurgical considerations of cysticercosis of the central nervous system.

Infestation of the central system (CNS) by the larval form of Taenia solium can be etiological for one or more of several clinicopathological manifestations. Experience gained from treating 18 patients forms the basis for a classification of this disease and for observations upon therapy. Twenty-three surgical procedures in 15 of the 18 patients provide the foundation for comment on operative treatment in management. Whereas most procedures are palliative, eradication of the CNS disease may be achieved in cases of solitary intraventricular cysts. There has been no operative mortality.