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What Parasite Can Cause Tumor Like Symptoms on the Brain?

People who ingest eggs of pork tapeworm can get an infection called cysticercosis, after the eggs hatch and the larvae travel to tissues and organs throughout the body. When the disease affects the brain and the nervous system, it is called neurocysticercosis. Its symptoms often mimic those of a brain tumor.

  1. Considerations

    • Pork tapeworms can be ingested through food, water or soil contaminated with human or animal feces, so it is important to ensure proper hygiene around your food sources and that pork is cooked thoroughly.

    Symptoms

    • The infection can cause cysts and lesions on the brain, which in turn can cause tumor-like symptoms including headache, visual impairment, seizures, meningitis and dementia.

    Identification

    • Neurocysticercosis is best diagnosed using magnetic response imaging (MRI), which shows most cysts and lesions in the brain.

    Treatment

    • Surgery, medications and shunts are common practice when treating neurocysticercosis. In severe cases, the infected person may die.

    Geography

    • Cysticercosis is most commonly found in under-developed regions, including Mexico, Central America, China, Korea, India and Eastern Europe.

    Fun Fact

    • A 2009 episode of "Gray's Anatomy" featured a patient played by Grant Show who had neurocysticercosis.

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