Exploring the spectrum of headaches in neurocysticercosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding the prevalence, characteristics, diagnosis and management of headaches associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC) is essential for optimizing patient care.
METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We examined case reports, case series and cohort studies that explored headaches in NCC patients. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024530164).
RESULTS: A total of 53 isolated NCC cases presenting with headache and 8 cohort studies were included. Severe or progressive headaches, often resembling migraines, were most prevalent (35.2%). Brain parenchymal cysts were the most frequently observed lesion type (39.6%), followed by ventricular cysts (28.3%). Treatment primarily consisted of cysticidal therapy (66.2%), with surgical intervention required in 25.4% of cases. The majority of patients (96.2%) experienced clinical improvement. The meta-analysis addressed three key questions. Patients with primary headaches exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of calcified NCC (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, I2=0%). Likewise, primary headaches were more common in individuals with calcified NCC (OR 2.82, I2=0%). However, headache frequency (mean difference=1.93, I2=86%) and severity (mean difference=4.45, I2=99%) did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSIONS: Brain parenchymal cysts, particularly ring or disk-enhancing colloidal cysts, may present with new-onset…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Calcium Ions in the Physiology and Pathology of the Central Nervous System
- AI-powered in silico twins: redefining precision medicine through simulation, personalization, and predictive healthcare
- In silico functional, structural and pathogenicity analysis of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms in human MCM6 gene
- In Silico drug repurposing pipeline using deep learning and structure based approaches in epilepsy
- Targeting serotonin receptors with phytochemicals – an in-silico study
- In silico exploration of anti-prostate cancer compounds from differential expressed genes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.