Neurocysticercosis in non-endemic Muslim areas: A report of seven cases from Kuwait

Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic central nervous system disease and the major cause of epilepsy in non-Muslim developing countries. Cases also occur in non-endemic regions reflecting pattern of immigration from highly endemic areas. Intending to increase awareness of cysticercosis even in countries where the religion doesn’t allow pork intake we report seven cases of autochtonous infection diagnosed in Kuwait in the period from 2000 to 2004. Six children presented with seizures, three of them also had headache and vomiting. None was given cysticidal treatment however all showed complete resolution of ring enhancing lesions on neuroimaging and a favorable outcome. In a family with two affected members, another asymptomatic sibling showed a ring lesion that resolved spontaneously.