Neurocysticercosis true A central nervous system infection that results from the inactive parenchymal or ventricular stage of Taenia solium. While many infections are asymptomatic, seizures are the most common symptom. C0338437 C84932 NICHD A parasitic infection with tapeworms of the genus Taenia affecting the brain. It is manifested with seizures and headaches. Neurocysticercosis is caused by ingestion of food contaminated with Taenia solium eggs. Eggs hatch in the intestine, larvae migrate to the central nervous system and then form cysts. Cysts have four phases: 1) vesicular (asymptomatic); 2) colloidal (degeneration and inflammation); 3) granular nodular; and 4) calcification. Although seizures are most often associated with cyst degeneration, they can occur at any stage. Although neurocysticercosis is more prevalent in developing countries (Latin-America, India and Africa), individuals in developed countries may be affected, if they have had foreign travel to endemic areas. Disease or Syndrome Neurocysticercosis Neurocysticercosis Neurocysticercosis infectious etiology