Cysticercus of the brain is a very common condition in our country. Patients develop symptoms when the tapeworm cyst starts dying or degenerating. Approximately 60% of patients have a disappearance of cysts by the end of 1 year. The duration of treatment with anticonvulsants will depend upon the presence or absence of the cyst or its dead calcified stage. If the cyst disappears early, we give medicines for 1 year. If however, the cyst persists or leaves a calcified spot (in upto 20% cases) then a 2 years treatment is recommended. The disappearance of the cyst will be assessed by scans. Secondly, I would prefer Tegretal to Eptoin in a female for cosmetic reasons. Tegretal can cause drowsiness in the beginning (hence the dose needs to be increased gradually), which should disappear. Some children can become hyperactive or aggressive. In case these problems are significant, one may require changing the medicine. Usually it does not cause long-term side effects.