IN AN unusual medical saga, a 52-year-old US man's affinity for undercooked bacon led to an unexpected diagnosis: his brain had become a breeding ground for tapeworm larvae, resulting in worsening migraines.
This peculiar case unfolded over four months, as the man's headaches became more intense and unresponsive to all the usual treatments, prompting a visit to the hospital for further investigation.
The plot thickened when CT scans revealed his brain had several cystic lesions caused by the larvae of a pork tapeworm.
The diagnosis was neurocysticercosis, a term that might sound exotic but essentially translates to "unwanted brain guests courtesy of pork tapeworm".
Remarkably, the man hadn't ventured into areas known for such infections; his only misstep was a lifelong habit of enjoying his bacon on the rare side.
The doctors theorised that his less-than-crispy bacon habit, combined with some lapses in hand hygiene, set the stage for this parasitic invasion.
Fortunately, the story has a silver lining - after treatment with anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medications, the man's brain cleared up, and his migraines began to subside.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 21 Mar 24
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