A personal account regarding the origin and evolution of controversies in the management of neurocysticercosis

A panel of experts from the Infectious Disease Society of America and The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene recently published guidelines for management of neurocysticercosis, showing that clinical manifestations as well as the stage of involution and the anatomical location of parasites must be taken into account before the start of a rational therapy. Soon thereafter, isolated opinions attempted to discredit these guidelines, arguing insufficient or inadequate evidence and suggesting that they should not be followed worldwide. In view of these conflicting reports, it is appropriate to review the origin and evolution of the controversy on the medical treatment of neurocysticercosis.