NEW DELHI: A US man in Florida who was initially believed to be suffering from severe migraine was later found to have a tapeworm infestation in his brain, reported the New York Post.
The shocking discovery was made after the man, 52, experienced aggressive headaches for a week, following the reported consumption of undercooked bacon.
However, the man’s fondness for soft bacon was not the sole cause of this bizarre ailment. The undercooked bacon had gone bad, making the man more susceptible.
This unfortunate combination led to a condition known as neurocysticercosis, where a parasite lays eggs and infects various parts of the body.
What is even more distressing about neurocysticercosis is that it can be contagious. This alarming case has been documented in the American Journal of Case Reports.
“It is historically very unusual to encounter infected pork in the United States, and our case
may have public health implications,” researchers wrote as per The Post.
According to the CDC, failure to wash hands after using the bathroom can spread eggs and cause hospitalization for around 1,000 Americans each year. The CDC emphasizes the need for thorough handwashing, especially when handling food, to prevent this preventable ailment from affecting households.
A recent report from the CDC highlights a concerning ailment that affects around 1,000 Americans each year. The condition, which can result in hospitalization, is preventable but still poses a risk. In a recent case, a patient experienced swelling and cysts on both sides of their brain.
It was discovered that tapeworms had laid eggs in the brain, leading to the symptoms. Treatment with the drug albendazole showed improvements after two weeks.
Clinicians are now being advised to remain vigilant and gather detailed histories from patients who experience changes in their migraine patterns, as seizures are a common symptom.
The shocking discovery was made after the man, 52, experienced aggressive headaches for a week, following the reported consumption of undercooked bacon.
However, the man’s fondness for soft bacon was not the sole cause of this bizarre ailment. The undercooked bacon had gone bad, making the man more susceptible.
This unfortunate combination led to a condition known as neurocysticercosis, where a parasite lays eggs and infects various parts of the body.
What is even more distressing about neurocysticercosis is that it can be contagious. This alarming case has been documented in the American Journal of Case Reports.
“It is historically very unusual to encounter infected pork in the United States, and our case
may have public health implications,” researchers wrote as per The Post.
According to the CDC, failure to wash hands after using the bathroom can spread eggs and cause hospitalization for around 1,000 Americans each year. The CDC emphasizes the need for thorough handwashing, especially when handling food, to prevent this preventable ailment from affecting households.
Expand
A recent report from the CDC highlights a concerning ailment that affects around 1,000 Americans each year. The condition, which can result in hospitalization, is preventable but still poses a risk. In a recent case, a patient experienced swelling and cysts on both sides of their brain.
It was discovered that tapeworms had laid eggs in the brain, leading to the symptoms. Treatment with the drug albendazole showed improvements after two weeks.
Clinicians are now being advised to remain vigilant and gather detailed histories from patients who experience changes in their migraine patterns, as seizures are a common symptom.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
