Doctor shares 'brain worm warning sign' and it's something that everyone should know

No matter how health-conscious someone may be, illness can strike unexpectedly, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant. Recently, the internet has been abuzz with concerns about “brain worm” infections after reports surfaced about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, having dealt with this condition over a decade ago. According to The New York Times, RFK Jr.’s bout with the rare parasitic infection has sparked widespread curiosity and anxiety about its warning signs.

The topic gained even more attention after Kennedy posted a tongue-in-cheek comment on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I offer to eat five more brain worms and still beat President Trump and President Biden in a debate.” The quip, which quickly went viral with over 5 million views, was Kennedy’s humorous way of addressing concerns about his health while asserting his fitness to compete against his political rivals. “I feel confident of the result even with a six-worm handicap,” he joked in the thread.

Despite the humor, the unsettling reality of a worm entering RFK Jr.’s brain, consuming a portion of it, and subsequently dying inside has left a lasting impression on many. The story has amplified awareness about parasitic infections, encouraging discussions about their prevention and treatment, and serving as a reminder of the unpredictability of health challenges—even for public figures.

To unfold the truth behind this ailment, neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch explained some of its causes and symptoms to BuzzFeed. The foremost thing that one should understand is that the "brain worms" are parasites that infect our body parts, per the doctor. "The most common being from the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium (or neurocysticercosis)," Grunch said. So, how do these tiny tapeworms reach our brains? Turns out, its primary mode of transmission is from pig to human. When we consume raw or undercooked pork meat, chances are that we might be allowing the tapeworm that has infected the meat to enter our bodies.

One may wonder how the parasite that has reached our stomachs can travel to our brains. The doctor explained that though the worm cannot travel to the brain, its larvae might. Using our body as a medium, the parasite lays eggs once it enters our intestines and if the eggs are not expelled from our body through stools, they may grow into larvae. These larvae can travel to other organs through our bloodstream. These tapeworms might also be transmitted from human to human if a person has unhygienic habits like not washing their hands thoroughly after a bathroom break. 

Grunch emphasized that digestive issues are the foremost symptoms of having a tapeworm. "You would experience GI symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss specifically," she said. Though these signs sound like it's just food poisoning that can be alleviated in a matter of days, the tapeworm might be silently infecting one's brain for a long time. "Brain infection symptoms may take months to years to develop, as symptoms don't typically arise until the larvae die. When those do show up in the brain, symptoms include nausea, seizures, and headache." There are advanced tests to detect neurocysticercosis, which affects both children and adults. So, staying away from raw or undercooked pork and ensuring that one's hands are clean are the best preventive measures.

This article originally appeared 3 months ago.