In some parts of the world, brain infections may be due to worms or other parasites. These infections are more common in developing countries and rural areas. They are less common in the United States.
Seizures and headaches are the most common symptoms. However, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, difficulty with balance, excess fluid around the brain (called hydrocephalus) may also occur. The disease can result in death.
Parasitic infections in humans are common, and many may affect the central nervous system where they may survive unnoticed or may cause significant pathology or even lead to the death of the host.
In Nicaragua and other developing countries tapeworm infections are common, and the larvae can migrate into the brain—a condition called neurocysticercosis. Usually the infection causes seizures as well as large brain cysts that are obvious on an MRI.
X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computerized Axial Tomography scan (CAT)These tests are used to look for some parasitic diseases that may cause lesions in the organs.
The infection is treated with albendazole or praziquantel (drugs used to treat parasitic worm infections, called antihelminthic drugs). However, if a person has many cysts, antihelminthic drugs may kill many organisms, causing the brain to swell significantly.
All parasites affecting humans might involve the CNS; however, the most common parasitic infection of the CNS is cysticercosis. Other less frequent infections are toxoplasmosis, echinococcosis and schistosomiasis.
Neurocysticercosis, which affects the brain and is the most severe form of the disease, can be fatal. Neurocysticercosis is considered a Neglected Parasitic Infection, one of a group of diseases that results in significant illness among those who are infected and is often poorly understood by health care providers.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. Although the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not found in the United States, people are infected worldwide. In terms of impact this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease.
The central nervous system uses neuroactive substances as internal signals between neurons, brain networks and between the brain and other organs. Parasites can hijack these pathways to alter behavior by producing overriding signals or, as Del Giudice points out, corrupting existing ones.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare.* In the United States, between zero and five cases were diagnosed annually from 2013 to 2022.
Many people mistakenly attribute their symptoms to some other disease and don't even think to ask for a parasites test. Another reason for the under-diagnosis of parasites is that doctors nowadays aren't well trained in detecting these critters.
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits and is known to be effective in treating worms in dogs. Unlike other vinegar, apple cider vinegar increases the alkaline levels in the intestines of the dog. As a result, it creates an inhospitable environment for worms and other parasites.
Unexplained digestive problems, itchiness, anemia, muscular and joint pain, and inability to feel satisfied after even a hearty meal are some of the commonly experienced signs you may have a parasite. Call your doctor if your unusual signs indicate the presence of a parasite.
This diet may include avoiding greasy, processed foods and eating natural, whole foods. Some parasite cleansing diets ask the person to avoid specific types of foods, such as gluten, dairy, or pork. Diets may also include the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis. People become infected with these diseases when they swallow or have contact with water that has been contaminated by certain parasites.
Parasites could be using glucose (or other things present in the host blood after eating) as a food source: When hosts eat, parasites eat.
The Spirometra tapeworm can live in humans for up to 20 years. A man in China experienced seizures and other mysterious symptoms for years before doctors finally found the cause: He had a rare parasite living in his brain, which had likely been there for more than a decade, according to news reports.
There are two kinds of common parasitic infections:
Pinworms, whipworms, and hookworms are all types of roundworms (1) that can cause digestive problems, mood swings, abdominal pain, brain fog, and weight loss.
CT scans or MRI s.
Both types of tests create detailed images of the internal structures, which can help your doctor detect worms that are blocking ducts in the liver or pancreas.
Parasites' potential neurological effects extend beyond seizures and epilepsy. Many people who survive cerebral malaria experience, for example, cognitive impairment, behavioural disorders and neurological deficits.
Several previous studies have shown that chronic toxoplasmic infection may be associated with human behavior alterations, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even schizophrenia [10, 11]. Infection can also lead to other neurodegenerative symptoms including memory impairment [12] and cognitive decline [13].