Brain worms are a parasitic infection of the brain, most commonly caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia Solium). Infection can occur when a person consumes raw or undercooked pork that is infected with the parasite, and the larvae migrate to the brain. Symptoms of brain worm infection may take months or years to develop and can include nausea, seizures, and headaches.
The World Health Organization estimates that up to 8.3 million people in the world are living with neurocysticercosis, which is one of the leading causes worldwide of adult-onset epilepsy. Approximately 25% of the world’s population has an infection related to an intestinal parasite, and in tropical and subtropical areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation, the number may be as high as 50%.
The best way to prevent brain worms is to not eat undercooked or raw pork and to practice good hand hygiene.
If you suspect you may have a parasitic infection, always consult your doctor right away. Specific antibodies or antigens in the bloodstream can be checked to see if you have an infection. Sometimes a spinal tap can be performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to check for brain worms.
Both children and adults are susceptible to neurocysticercosis, so it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to prevent infection.