A Case Study of Intracranial Hypertension due to Neuroschistosomiasis

Introduction:Neuroschistosomiasis is a rare and severe complication of schistosomiasis.It affects the Central Nervous System.Its prevalence in areas with proximity to freshwater bodies and poor sanitation is attributable to the aquatic life cycle and fecaloral mode of transmission of the parasite.It presents a multitude of challenges in regards to diagnosis and treatment. Methods:The case study reports of a 34 years old female who was misdiagnosed to have Benign Intracranial Hypertension and presented with severe unrelenting headache and visual disturbance.Upon examination, a fundoscopy revealing severe papilledema.Her other blood tests were unremarkable that led her to the misdiagnosis, until a positive bilharzia IgM antibodies were found.The patient was treated accordingly using Praziquantel with low dose steroids.Results: Initiation of Praziquantel regimen and monitoring for a period of 2 months saw an insidious resolution in symptoms and of elevated intracranial pressure over a period of 9 months. Conclusion:It if often overlooked that raised intracranial pressure maybe due t Neuroschistosomiasis,.Any patient presenting with the same and a history of exposure to schistosoma-endemic areas any time in their past history should be tested and treated with a positive Bilharzia IgM antibody prior to surgical interventions being considered.