From the Guidelines

Neurocysticercosis is a major cause of seizure and neurologic disease worldwide, caused by the larval form of the cestode parasite Taenia solium.

It is a type of cysticercosis that involves the central nervous system, including the brain parenchyma, ventricles, basilar cisterns, sulci, gyri, spine, and retina 1.
Humans can be hosts to both the tapeworm form and larval forms of the parasite, with the tapeworm form acquired by ingestion of undercooked pork 1.
The larval form, also known as cysticercosis, can be acquired by ingestion of ova, and neurocysticercosis refers to cysticercosis involving the central nervous system 1.

The main clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis vary with the location of the cysticerci, and can include seizures, headache, obstructive hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus, meningitis, stroke, and focal neurologic findings 1.
Parenchymal neurocysticercosis typically presents with seizures or headache, while ventricular neurocysticercosis most often presents with obstructive hydrocephalus 1.

Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis involves a thorough history and physical examination, with particular attention to exposure to the parasite 1.
Neuroimaging, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is also essential for diagnosis, with CT more sensitive for detecting calcified lesions and MRI more sensitive for detecting the scolex and edema 1.
The enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot (EITB) using parasite glycoproteins is the serologic antibody test of choice, with a sensitivity of close to 100% in patients with multiple parenchymal, ventricular, or subarachnoid neurocysticercosis 1.

From the Research

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic disease of the human central nervous system (CNS) 2.
It is a pleomorphic disease with a diverse array of clinical manifestations, dependent on factors such as the number and size of the cysticerci, their stage of development, and localization within the brain 2.
NCC is caused by the larval (cystic) form of the pork cestode tapeworm, Taenia solium 3.

The clinical manifestations of NCC largely depend on the host immune response against the parasite 4.
Diagnosis is based on neuroimaging studies (computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and antibody/antigen detection in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid 4.
Valid screening tools, including immunological and molecular tests, are needed to reduce reliance on neuroimaging, which is not usually accessible in endemic areas 5.

Anticysticercal therapy has been marked by controversy, with randomized controlled trials yielding conflicting data 4.
WHO and Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene guidelines emphasize the importance of corticosteroids and antiparasitic drugs for viable parenchymal disease and single enhancing lesions 6.
Prevention strategies must rely on multiple approaches, tailoring each to the special features of the particular endemic area 4.
Field studies are demonstrating the feasibility of eradication using a combination of mass chemotherapy for human tapeworms and vaccination/treatment of porcine cysticercosis 6.