Disease

Cysts, called cysticerci, can develop in the muscles, the eyes, the brain, and/or the spinal cord.  Symptoms caused by the cysts depend on the location, size, number, and stage of the cysts.

Cysts in the brain or spinal cord:

• Cause the most serious form of the disease, called neurocysticercosis
• May cause no symptoms
• May cause seizures and/or headaches (these are more common)
• May also cause confusion, difficulty with balance, brain swelling, and excess fluid around the brain (these are less common)
• May cause stroke or death

Cysts in the muscles:

• Generally do not cause symptoms
• May cause lumps under the skin, which can sometimes become tender