Neurocysticercosis mimicking eclampsia in a pregnant woman with a history of preeclampsia: a case report

The case involves a 35-year-old pregnant woman at 26.1 weeks of gestation with a history of preeclampsia in two previous pregnancies who presented to the emergency department with headache, epigastric pain, and blurred vision, followed by several tonic-clonic seizures. The medical team immediately suspected eclampsia and initiated magnesium sulfate protocol. Laboratory tests showed a urine protein/creatinine ratio of 0.58 with no abnormalities in hepatic and renal function parameters and no recorded hypertensive values. Despite anticonvulsant administration, seizures were not controlled, prompting neuroimaging studies. Imaging revealed multiple cysts with scolices in the brain, confirming neurocysticercosis in the vesicular stage. Through a multidisciplinary approach, seizures were controlled with levetiracetam, allowing the pregnancy to reach term at 37.5 weeks with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. In the postpartum period, the patient successfully started antiparasitic treatment with albendazole and dexamethasone.