Health
By Alex Mitchell
Published March 8, 2024, 6:20 p.m. ET
Florida man discovers tapeworm infestation in his brain
A 52-year-old man from Florida who had been suffering from severe migraines was shocked to learn that his symptoms were actually caused by a tapeworm infestation in his brain. Researchers believe that the infestation was a result of eating undercooked bacon.
The man, who remains anonymous, had been experiencing week-long, aggressive headaches for four months. Researchers from the American Journal of Case Reports discovered that the undercooked bacon the man had consumed led to a case of neurocysticercosis, a condition in which a tapeworm lays eggs that infect various parts of the body.
Neurocysticercosis is typically rare in the United States, and this case may have public health implications. It is important to thoroughly cook food, especially pork products, to avoid such infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that thorough hand washing after using the bathroom and careful food handling can prevent the spread of neurocysticercosis.
The case is worrying as neurocysticercosis is a preventable condition. The CDC reports that approximately 1,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to the effects of the tapeworm infection in their brains. The patient in this case was treated with the deworming drug albendazole, which led to significant improvements in his health within two weeks.
It is recommended that healthcare professionals remain vigilant in cases where patients exhibit changes in migraine patterns, as neurocysticercosis can often be accompanied by seizures. Thorough cooking, proper hand hygiene, and safe food handling are essential in preventing the spread of this dangerous infection.
