Link between Brain Tapeworms, Undercooked Bacon, and Worsening Migraines Discovered in Men

Tapeworm eggs were discovered in the brain of a man who was experiencing severe migraines, believed to be caused by consuming undercooked bacon.

The 52-year-old American sought medical advice when his migraines worsened and became more frequent, with no relief from medication.

Scans revealed the presence of tapeworm eggs in his brain, leading to a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis – a result of taeniasis infection from larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, which can infiltrate tissues such as muscles and the brain.

Despite not visiting any high-risk areas, the man tested positive for the infection.

“Upon further investigation, the patient revealed that he did not consume raw or street food but admitted to regularly eating lightly cooked bacon throughout his life,” stated the study published in the American Journal Of Case Reports.

Researchers believe the infection was transmitted through autoinfection due to improper handwashing after initially contracting taeniasis from his dietary habits.

The man’s migraines improved with the administration of anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medication.

Transmission of such infections usually occurs due to inadequate handwashing or consumption of contaminated food or water.

“Encountering infected pork in the United States is historically uncommon, making our case potentially significant for public health,” the authors emphasized.

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The US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention mentions on its website: “Although rare, cysticercosis can manifest in individuals who have never traveled outside of the United States.

“For instance, an individual infected with a tapeworm who neglects handwashing may inadvertently contaminate food with tapeworm eggs while preparing it for others.”