Introduction: Neurocysticercosis is a common cause of seizures in developing countries. This study analyses the seizure and radiological outcomes in children with solitary neurocysticercosis from a north Indian tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: The case records of children at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi from January 2003 to December 2006 (Group A, 171; did not receive albendazole) and from January 2008 to June2013 (Group B, 512; received albendazole) were reviewed. Children aged 1 to 12 years, newly diagnosed as probable solitary neurocysticercosis on contrast-enhanced CT head, presenting with seizures with at least 6 months follow-up and an available follow-up CT head, were included. Those with calcified lesions on initial CT head were excluded.

Results: Group B had significantly more resolution (complete disappearance on follow up CT) of lesions (67.3% versus 30.4%,p<0.0001) as compared to group A. However there was no significant difference in calcification observed in group A and B (30.4 and 25.9% respectively. P=0.03). Overall patients with calcification or complete disappearance were significantly more in group B compared to A(93.3% versus  60.8%, p<0.0001). Breakthrough seizures were significantly more in the group A (23.9% versus 7.2%, p<0.0001).Overall in 2 groups, lesions that got calcified had significantly more breakthrough seizures than non calcified ones (21.6% versus 7.6%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions: Albendazole therapy results in improved seizure control and expedites radiological resolution in children with neurocysticercosis. Children with calcified lesions are at high risk for seizure recurrence and may warrant longer anti-epileptic therapy.¹