Cysticercosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cysticercosis?
An infectious disease doctor usually treats cysticercosis. This is a doctor who treats infections from germs and parasites. If the cysts are in the brain, a neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve problems, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cysticercosis?
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the larvae, or young worms, of the parasite Taenia solium. This parasite is the pork tapeworm. The larvae get into tissues such as muscle, brain, and eye, and form cysts called cysticerci. When cysts are found in the brain or central nervous system, it is called neurocysticercosis. The disease is rare in the United States. It is common in many developing countries.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location and number of cysts in the body. Most often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms. Symptoms can start months to years after infection, usually when the cysts start dying.
When symptoms do happen, they depend on where the infection is:
- Brain: seizures, or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor.
- Eyes: decreased vision or blindness.
- Heart: abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure, which is rare.
- Spine: weakness or changes in walking because of damage to nerves in the spine.
Epilepsy, which means repeated seizures, is the most common symptom of neurocysticercosis. Fluid can also build up in part of the brain, often with increased pressure, which is called hydrocephalus.
Causes and who gets it
You get cysticercosis when you swallow tapeworm eggs. The eggs are passed in the feces (poop) of someone who has a tapeworm. Tapeworm eggs can get in or on food, water, or surfaces that have feces on them. People swallow the eggs when they eat or drink contaminated food or water, or put contaminated fingers in their mouth. Someone who already has a tapeworm can infect themselves by swallowing its eggs, which is called autoinfection. This can happen after poor hand washing following a bowel movement. A person with a tapeworm can also infect others in the family.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms, where you have traveled, and what kinds of foods you eat. Diagnosing neurocysticercosis typically involves MRI or CT brain scans and sometimes blood tests. Blood tests might not show positive results in mild infections.
Other tests that may be done include:
- Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasite. Antibodies are proteins the body makes to fight germs.
- A biopsy, which means taking a small piece of the affected area to study.
- A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, which collects fluid from around the spine.
- An eye exam in which an eye specialist looks inside the eye.
If surgery is needed, a pathologist will examine the cyst for diagnosis. A pathologist is a doctor who studies tissue.
Treatment
Doctors usually treat the infection with anti-parasitic drugs, which kill the parasite. They also use anti-inflammatory drugs, which lower swelling. Medicines to kill the parasites include albendazole and praziquantel. Strong steroid medicines are used to reduce swelling. If the cyst is in the eye or brain, steroids should be started a few days before the other medicines. Medicine that kills the parasite must be given with caution, because the dying larvae cause swelling that may make symptoms worse. Treatment is not always necessary for every case of cysticercosis. Even then, you may need treatment for symptoms, such as medicine to reduce seizures. The most urgent care is for brain and nerve problems. It may include seizure medicine, steroids, brain surgery, or treatment for high pressure inside the skull. Surgery is sometimes needed. This depends on the cyst's location, the response to drug treatment, and the amount of brain swelling.
Follow your doctor's instructions about every medicine.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have any symptoms of cysticercosis. Untreated cysticercosis with hydrocephalus, a fluid buildup in the brain, can be life-threatening. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone has any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing.
- Chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.
- Fainting or loss of consciousness.
- A sudden change in mental state, such as confusion.
- Not being able to speak.
- A seizure.
- A sudden change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can review your symptoms and travel history and arrange blood tests or scans. They can refer you to an infectious disease doctor or a neurologist and help with follow-up.
Common questions
Can cysticercosis be prevented?
Yes, you can take steps to prevent cysticercosis. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating them. Avoid food or water that may be contaminated.
Does cysticercosis always cause symptoms?
No, most infections cause no symptoms or only mild ones. Most often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms.
What is neurocysticercosis?
Neurocysticercosis is cysticercosis with cysts in the brain or central nervous system. Epilepsy is its most common symptom.
Can cysticercosis spread in a family?
Yes, a person with a tapeworm can infect others in the family. A person who has a tapeworm passes tapeworm eggs in their feces.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
