Living with Cysticercosis
An infection from pork tapeworm eggs that form cysts, sometimes in the brain, eyes, heart, or spine.
Understanding Cysticercosis
It develops when tapeworm eggs from contaminated food enter the body and form cysts. In most cases the worms stay in the muscles and cause no symptoms. Symptoms may occur when the infection is in the brain, eyes, heart, or spine. It is rare in the United States but common in many developing countries.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the cysts are. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Seizures
- Calcium deposits in the brain
- Fluid-filled cysts in the brain or spinal cord area
- Problems with movement
- Changes in feeling or sensation
- Changes in the shape of the brain or its coverings
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Eggs found in contaminated food enter the body and form cysts.
Also known as: cysticerciasis; infection by tapeworm larvae; infection caused by tapeworm larvae; intestinal taenia solium infection; larval tapeworm infection; larval teniasis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cysticercosis.
Explore research for Cysticercosis
Explore actively recruiting Cysticercosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Cysticercosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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