Final answer:
Cysticercosis is caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, and particularly affects the brain in the form of neurocysticercosis, leading to seizures and headaches. Treatment typically involves antihelminthic drugs and possibly surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cestode that causes cysticercosis is the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This parasite infection affects the muscles, eyes, and in cases of neurocysticercosis, the brain and spinal cord. In the brain, it can lead to seizures and headaches due to the formation of cysts. Cysticercosis is acquired through ingestion of eggs from the fecal-oral route, rather than from eating undercooked meat.
Treatment for neurocysticercosis may involve antihelminthic drugs or surgery, to remove the cysts from the CNS. The preferred antihelminthic medications include albendazole and praziquantel, often accompanied by corticosteroids like dexamethasone to reduce inflammatory responses during treatment.