CYSTICERCOSIS IN NEUROLOGY PATIENTS IN TH E LOME, TOGO-TEACHING-HOSPITAL

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical pres entation of cysticercosis in patients consulting in the neurology unit of the Lome, Togo Teaching Hospital. Among the 2.064 patients examine d, 38 had cysticercosis. All 38 were males, age range 18 to 50 years. Diagnosis was established on the basis of multiple subcutaneous cystic ercosis (n = 33), cerebral cysticercosis scan findings (n = 5), serolo gy (n = 7) and cerebrospinal fluid findings (n = 3) of specific antibo dies using the ELISA method. Recurrent epileptic seizures occurred in 33 patients. Three other were in a confusional state, one had headache s and on had hemiplegy. The results of this study contrast with the re ported scarcity of cerebral cysticercosis in hospitals in other West A frican countries.