Tapeworm cause CNS disorders?

[jason80]

Has anyone with neurologic symptoms: pain, peripheral neuropathy, etc., that is undiagnosed, has ever been tested for having a tapeworm? I suspect it is rare since no ID doc or other doc has mentioned this possibility, but thought I would ask as I read that it can cause some CNS symptoms. Why is this not mentioned by the ID docs?

[jason80]

bump

[jason80]

Thanks for quick reply.
Can it cause peripheral neuropathy symptoms or bad floaters?

If this is suspected, what test is performed? Thanks.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Yes you are right tapeworm infestation can cause neurocysticercosis. It is the leading cause of epilepsy and seizures in the developing world. It is very rare in developed countries.
Apart from seizures it can cause headaches, vomiting, raised intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus and papilledema.
Since it rare in developed countries it is not usually considered as a differential diagnosis.