CompletedNot Applicable

Randomized Study of Albendazole in Patients With Epilepsy Due to Neurocysticercosis

120 participantsStarted 2000-05

Plain-language summary

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the effect of antiparasitic treatment with albendazole on the severity and duration of epilepsy due to neurocysticercosis. II. Determine the effect of a short course of albendazole on Taenia solium cysts present in the brain. III. Determine the natural regression of cerebral T. solium cysts in patients given placebo and their response to treatment at the end of the study.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- * Presence of Taenia solium infection as demonstrated by serology and head CT Head CT showing no more than 20 cysts * At least 2 spontaneous seizures within the last 6 months excluding: Absence seizures Rolandic seizures Bilateral spike wave patterns compatible with genetic epilepsy --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- * No prior therapy for cysticercosis --Patient Characteristics-- * Age: 16 to 65 * Performance status: Not specified * Hematopoietic: Not specified * Hepatic: Not specified * Renal: Not specified * Neurologic: No focal deficits No motor deficits No cranial nerve lesions History of epilepsy of less than 5 years in duration No head CT evidence of the following: Arteriovenous malformations Trauma Cerebral infarcts or hemorrhages No other focal disease not attributable to cysticercosis No moderate or severe intracranial hypertension No status epilepticus * Other: No unstable condition due to systemic disease or cysticercosis Not pregnant

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00004403

SponsorJohns Hopkins University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

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