People Presenting With Neurocysticercosis in North America

Plain-language summary

Background: \- Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by tapeworms that infect people. NCC can lead to serious brain problems such as seizures, sevre headaches and difficulties with movements or sensation in the limbs. Researchers want to learn more about the different ways in which people in the United States present with this disease and how they respond to standard and newer treatments. Objective: \- To learn about the different forms of NCC that occurs throughout North America and how patients with these forms respond to treatment. Eligibility: \- Adults age 18 or older with NCC. Design: * Participants will be screened with: * Medical history and physical exam. * A computed tomography (CT) brain scan The participant will lie still on a table that slides into a large donut-shaped scanner. * Blood drawn through an arm vein for analysis * A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and spine. They will lay flat in a long metal cylinder as the machine makes images of the body. During the scan, participants will receive a contrast agent through an IV that allows high resolution imaging of the brain and spine * Participants will visit the clinic at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (7 times), and depending on the need for monitoring, more times. Participants will receive a schedule that will explain the procedures done at each visit. * At these visits, participants may: * Repeat the screening procedures. * Be asked about their NCC symptoms and their physical and mental health. * Have a urine test. * Take a test of their ability to concentrate, their memory and spatial recognition. * Have a lumbar puncture, if indicated by the state and severity of infection. A needle will be inserted through the skin and into the space between the bones in the back. Cerebrospinal fluid will be removed.

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