Digital illustration of the brain affected by neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis: Understanding the Infection, Symptoms, and Prevention

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A comprehensive look at neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection affecting the brain and nervous system, with insights into its causes, symptoms, and treatment options."

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease of the nervous system caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The infection occurs when humans ingest tapeworm eggs, which then develop into larvae and form cysts in the brain, muscles, and other tissues. NCC is a major public health problem in many developing countries, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where sanitation and hygiene practices are often inadequate.

The global prevalence of NCC is difficult to estimate due to underreporting and limited surveillance data. However, it is estimated that millions of people worldwide are infected with Taenia solium, and a significant proportion of these individuals will develop NCC. The disease is more common in rural areas and communities with poor sanitation, where pigs are often raised in close proximity to humans and are allowed to roam freely.

Understanding neurocysticercosis is vital, especially for those living in or traveling to endemic regions. By knowing the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially serious infection. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NCC, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

What are the Causes and Transmission of Neurocysticercosis?

Digital illustration of the brain affected by neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is primarily caused by ingesting eggs of the Taenia solium tapeworm. This usually happens through:

The life cycle of Taenia solium involves two hosts: pigs and humans. Pigs become infected by ingesting human feces containing tapeworm eggs. Humans become infected in two ways:

Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs. This can occur when food is prepared by someone who has a tapeworm infection and does not wash their hands properly.
Autoinfection: If a person has a tapeworm infection in their intestines, they can inadvertently ingest the eggs through poor hygiene practices, leading to NCC.

It’s crucial to understand that eating undercooked pork containing cysticerci (larval cysts) causes intestinal tapeworm infection, not NCC directly. However, a person with an intestinal tapeworm can shed eggs, which, if ingested, can lead to NCC.

The importance of Prevention and Public Health Measures

Neurocysticercosis is a preventable disease. Public health measures, such as improving sanitation, promoting hygiene, and educating communities about the risks of consuming contaminated food and water, are essential for reducing the incidence of NCC. Additionally, proper meat inspection and cooking practices can help prevent tapeworm infection in pigs and humans. If you have any concerns about potential exposure or symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i0.3840, Alternate LINK

Title: Neurocisticercosis

Subject: General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Journal: Biomédica

Publisher: Instituto Nacional de Salud (Colombia)

Authors: Gabriel Toro-González

Published: 2016-10-31

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Neurocysticercosis (NCC)?

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the brain and nervous system. It's caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Humans get NCC by ingesting the eggs of the tapeworm, which then hatch and form cysts in the brain, muscles, and other tissues. It's a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries where sanitation is poor.

How does someone typically get Neurocysticercosis (NCC)?

The primary way people get Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is by ingesting the eggs of the Taenia solium tapeworm. This can happen through contaminated food or water, especially if it's been handled by someone who has a tapeworm infection and doesn't wash their hands properly. Also, if someone already has a tapeworm in their intestines, they can re-infect themselves by ingesting the eggs due to poor hygiene.

Does eating undercooked pork directly cause Neurocysticercosis (NCC)?

Eating undercooked pork containing cysticerci (larval cysts) does not directly cause Neurocysticercosis (NCC). Instead, eating undercooked pork leads to intestinal tapeworm infection. However, if a person with an intestinal tapeworm sheds eggs, and those eggs are ingested by themselves or others, it can lead to NCC. Therefore, while undercooked pork isn't a direct cause of NCC, it is linked to the life cycle of Taenia solium.

What are the most important steps to prevent Neurocysticercosis (NCC)?

Preventing Neurocysticercosis (NCC) involves several public health measures. Improving sanitation, promoting good hygiene practices (like handwashing), and educating communities about the risks of consuming contaminated food and water are all essential. Additionally, properly inspecting meat and ensuring it's thoroughly cooked can prevent tapeworm infection in pigs, which reduces the risk of the tapeworm spreading to humans.

Why is it important to be aware of Neurocysticercosis (NCC)?

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a serious condition because the cysts that form in the brain can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, and confusion. In severe cases, NCC can lead to disability or even death. Understanding the disease, how it spreads, and how to prevent it is crucial, especially for people living in or traveling to regions where NCC is common. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.