Recurring Headaches May Be a Parasitic Infection

Symptoms at a Glance

- HEMANT KUMAR ROUT @Bhubaneswar

Seventeen-year-old Sourav (name changed) thought his recurring headaches were nothing more than study-related stress, let alone think about parasites growing in his brain. When the pain became unbearable, followed by bouts of vomiting and a sudden seizure, his parents rushed him to a nearby multi-speciality hospital.

The MRI scan of his brain shocked everyone. Sourav's brain was filled with hundreds of tiny cysts caused by parasites at various stages of growth. He was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis (NCC), which had also triggered severe swelling in his brain.

For days, his condition was critical. With a careful mix of anti-seizure medicines and drugs to reduce the swelling, Sourav slowly began to recover. Months later, he was back to his normal life and now he is free of headaches and seizures.

"What unsettled us and his family members most was that Sourav never showed the warning signs of NCC. On enquiry, we came to know about his habit of eating unwashed vegetables and food in unhygienic conditions. Fortunately, he was diagnosed with the infection at a very early stage and responded to the medication," said Dr Santosh Kumar Dash, head of neurology at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar.

This case, the neurologist said, is a reminder that sudden headaches, unexplained vomiting, or a first-time seizure should never be ignored. People in rural areas or those who consume unwashed vegetables, undercooked pork, and water contaminated by faeces are especially vulnerable, he added.