Parasites that gain entrance into a patient’s body rarely travel to the brain—but it can happen. Once in the brain, these parasites can cause a variety of symptoms and conditions. The parasites typically interfere with the normal function of the human brain. Any parasitic infection that affects the brain is typically difficult to treat. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment. Identifying the symptoms caused by parasitic infections of the brain can help doctor’s diagnosis and treat the patient.
Confusion
A symptom of a parasite in the brain can be confusion. Toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can damage the brain, can cause confusion, especially in patients with deficient immune systems, according to MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Patients with HIV or AIDS, children and patients who are very old can develop confusion when the toxoplasmosis parasite reaches the brain. Patients may be unable to recall recent events or remember basic information. As the infection worsens, the confusion will increase.
Seizures
Seizures are often a symptom of a parasitic infection of the brain. A special type of amoeba, called Naegleria, has been found to cause seizures when it destroys brain tissue, reports MayoClinic.com. Seizures are malfunctions of the electrical impulses of the brain, which can lead to muscle spasms and a loss of consciousness. Patients experiencing a seizure are at risk of choking, fracturing bones and head injuries. The seizures are caused by the parasite interfering with the essential nerves within the brain.
Headaches
One of the more common symptoms of a patient suffering from a parasitic infection of the brain is a headache. Neurocysticerosis is a parasitic infection that has been found to affect the brain as well as cause headaches, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This parasite causes excessive inflammation to the tissues and vessels in and surrounding the brain. This abnormal swelling is chiefly responsible for the headaches. If the parasitic infection is properly treated, the headaches should gradually disappear.
Loss of Balance
Loss of balance can be a symptom of a parasitic disease of the brain, states MedlinePlus. Balance is controlled in a small area in the cerebellum. Occasionally, a parasite can cause damage to this area and prevent the patient from being able to balance properly. The loss of balance can lead to an increase in accidental injury, such as a fall. Typically, the brain damage caused by parasitic infection is permanent. Patients who have successfully overcome the disease may have life-long problems with balance.
