A 52-year-old man in the United States, experiencing worsening migraines, discovered they were caused by brain tapeworm larvae, likely due to consuming undercooked bacon. Detailed in the American Journal of Case Reports, the man’s migraines had intensified over four months, becoming more frequent and resistant to usual treatments.
Hospitalization and subsequent CT scans revealed cystic foci in his brain, leading to a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. This condition, caused by pork tapeworm larval cysts, is identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a parasitic tissue infection impacting the brain.
Typically contracted through ingesting larvae present in contaminated feces, often due to insufficient handwashing, neurocysticercosis is more common in regions with poor sanitation. However, this patient, who had not traveled to high-risk areas, regularly consumed lightly cooked bacon, pointing to this as the source of infection.
The report speculates that the man might have autoinfected himself with cysticercosis through improper handwashing after consuming undercooked pork, leading to the neurocysticercosis condition. Following treatment with anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs, the man’s brain lesions receded, and his migraines improved.
While such cases are rare in the U.S., this instance raises public health concerns about the potential risks associated with consuming undercooked pork. Neurocysticercosis symptoms vary, from headaches to seizures, and can be life-threatening. This case underscores the importance of food safety and hygiene practices.