Dr. Óscar Del Brutto, a leading neurologist and researcher of the Espiritu Santo University (UEES), was one of the invited professors at the XLVIII Annual Meeting of the Mexican Academy of Neurology (AMN), held in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. During this event, he presented a keynote lecture entitled Neurocysticercosis: the old and the new, The presentation addressed recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this parasitic disease, which continues to be a public health challenge in developing countries.
Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larva of the Taenia solium parasite. This disease is particularly prevalent in regions with poor hygienic conditions and where the frequency of asymptomatic carriers of the Taenia solium parasite is high. Neurocysticercosis is one of the main causes of acquired epilepsy in endemic areas. Although diagnosis and treatment have advanced in recent decades, the disease remains a major health problem in many developing nations.
In his lecture, Dr. Del Brutto explained how, in the past, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was extremely difficult and, in many cases, was only made post-mortem or during surgery. Symptoms such as headaches, seizures and neurological deficits were often confused with other conditions. However, thanks to advances in neuroimaging and more effective drug treatments, the diagnosis and management of the disease have improved considerably, which has contributed to a reduction in mortality.
Despite these advances, Dr. Del Brutto stressed that much remains to be known regarding how best to treat cysticercotic calcifications, which are the sequelae of viable cysticerci. The NMA meeting was also an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration between neurologists and healthcare professionals, promoting the exchange of knowledge and the advancement of neurology globally.
