Central Nervous System Helminthiasis refers to a medical condition characterized by the presence of parasitic worms within the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, which are vital components responsible for coordinating and regulating various bodily functions.
Helminthiasis, or parasitic infestation by helminths, is a term used to describe a wide range of diseases caused by parasitic worms, also known as helminths. These worms belong to different classes, such as nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). While helminthiasis can affect various organs and body systems, Central Nervous System Helminthiasis specifically involves the invasion of these parasites into the CNS.
The presence of helminths in the CNS can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, depending on the type and location of the infestation. Common symptoms may include headaches, seizures, altered mental status, neurological deficits, and, in severe cases, coma or even death.
Central Nervous System Helminthiasis can be caused by various parasitic worms, including Taenia solium (neurocysticercosis), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm disease), Toxocara spp. (visceral larva migrans), and others. The condition is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through exposure to infected animals.
Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Helminthiasis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory tests, and specific diagnostic procedures to identify the presence of helminth parasites in the CNS
