Brief Answer:
There is worm in her brain and your medicine is right

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. It is possible that she had contaminated food containing eggs of a type of tapeworm which has reached and the brain and caused neurocysticercosis infection.

2. Seizures are more frequently associated with cystic stage and your wife has got this stage of the worm.

3. Seizures happen due to abnormal electric current in the brain. This occurs when the cystic stage releases toxins and causes mild brain swelling. Taking anti epileptic medicine increases the brain threshold for seizure activity and stops seizures from happening. That is why she has been given medicines.

4. It is important for her to observe food hygiene and take medicines as recommended.

(i) Antiepileptics should be continued to control seizures. Eptoin is an antiepileptic and is taken for longer duration.
(ii) Albendazole will control multiplication of the cysts and control the infection. Xenda BD is albendazole. This is taken for a week.
(iii) Deflot 6 is a steroid and is used to reduce brain swelling. This is taken for short duration.
(iv) Gardenal 30 is used to control seizure and taken for longer duration.
Your treatment is right.

5. I have seen hundreds of patients coming to me with neurocysticercosis and usually patients improve over 3 to 5 years. In most of them the patient does not have seizures for more than 2 years if they take medicine regularly. Total disappearance of the infection might take 5 to 10 years and in some the worm will become calcified and might persist for life time.

6. Anti epileptics should be continued as directed by the doctor and this is to prevent seizures for a long duration under recommendation of her doctor.

7. The cysts are live and might multiply if she does not take medicine and eat hygienic food.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
It is a common problem and easily treatable

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. This is a common problem but she must take treatment to avoid seizures and the worms from multiplying.

2. For next few days she should not be allowed to cook alone or driving because there is chance of another seizure and she might get hurt if it happens when doing cooking or driving.

3. Food hygiene is most important.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
Seizures are expected during initial treatment of the worm in brain

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Having seizures again is expected. This happens when the worm is getting killed and releasing toxins in the surrounding brain causing brain swelling and seizure. There is no need to get worried. Please continue giving her medicine. There might be some more attacks and that is why please tell her to not do any risky work like cooking, driving for some days.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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