Background
Though parenchymal neurocysticercosis is common and a major contributor to burden of seizures in most parts of the world, intraventricular neurocysticercosis (IVNCC) comprises 10–20% of cases and poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinician.
Case presentation
We report an adult female presenting with intermittent occipital headache, used to be worse in lying down position, and aggravated with head movements, and there was mild relief in the sitting position. Her physical examination was unremarkable, and laboratory tests were within normal limits. Her multimodal neuroimaging showed cystic lesion in the fourth ventricle suggestive of neurocysticercosis. Patient underwent neuroendoscopic removal of the cyst, and the final diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. Post removal of cyst patient had complete resolution of her symptoms.
Discussion
Intraventricular neurocysticercosis can present as acute hydrocephalus which may clinically manifest as Bruns’ syndrome in which sudden attacks of headache vertigo and nausea or vomiting are precipitated by abrupt head movements which was observed in our patient. Multimodal neuroimaging supported by histopathology helped in confirmation of the diagnosis, thus averting an inadvertent use of unnecessary medications in such patients. Furthermore, neuroendoscopy has evolved as minimally invasive technique for extirpation of fourth ventricular cysts.
Authors
Faheem Arshad, MD, DM, FICN
Neurologist
