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A new study revealed that a man in his middle age living in the United States, who has regularly consumed undercooked “soft” bacon for many years, has been diagnosed with tapeworm larvae in his brain by doctors.
The middle-aged man, who has a background of experiencing migraines, visited the doctor due to an increase in frequency and intensity of his headaches, which were not relieved by standard forms of treatment.
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Case Reports, the back of the subject’s skull experienced increasing pain.
An X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan of his skull showed the presence of numerous cysts deep within his brain in the white matter, which serves as an insulating layer for nerve cells.
After further examinations, additional cysts were discovered in the anterior and central regions of his brain’s outer cortex. This confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, a condition caused by the infiltration of tapeworm cysts from the species Taenia solium into the nervous system.
Usually, people contract tapeworm cysts by consuming contaminated food or water that contains the parasite.
The frequency of this type of infection is on the rise in developed nations as a result of increased availability of travel.
The severity of the condition can vary from being without symptoms to potentially life-threatening, mainly dependent on the areas of the body that are affected by the cysts.
Based on the study, the most prevalent indicator is typically a seizure, occurring in 80% of cases.
The typical course of treatment involves administering medication to combat parasites, undergoing surgery, or using a combination of approaches.
According to researchers, historically, industrialized nations have not experienced a significant spread of infection due to their strict oversight of food safety and sanitation standards.
A brain imaging revealed that a man had numerous tapeworm larvae developing in various regions of his brain.
The doctors noted that the man’s exposure history was normal and not noteworthy.
The person being treated resided in the United States and did not recently visit any countries known for the disease or come into contact with pigs.
Additionally, he had not been to a farm and resided in a modern home with adequate sanitation, according to researchers.
According to doctors, he frequently consumed undercooked bacon which may have caused him to develop neurocysticercosis.
It is believed that the individual contracted a tapeworm infection due to their eating habits and inadequate hand-washing after using the bathroom.
After receiving medication for both parasites and inflammation, the patient recovered from the worm infection.
Physicians recommend taking neurocysticercosis into account when assessing sudden shifts in migraine symptoms.
The resource “independent.co.uk” cannot be reworded.
