Jagran correspondent, Gorakhpur. A serious disease caused by stomach worms is becoming a cause of concern. Stomach worms are not only causing paralysis by reaching the brain but are also taking away the eyesight. 13 such cases have been reported in the Neuro Surgery Department of BRD Medical College within the last three months. Their age is between 10 to 30 years. According to doctors, this disease is called cystosercosis, which can prove fatal if timely treatment is not received.
Many patients were undergoing treatment for low vision at eye doctors. When there was no improvement with the medicine despite the absence of any other reason, when the doctors asked about his history, they found out that he sometimes faints, turns his eyes, and then becomes normal after some time. After this, his CT scan was done, in which cystosarcosis disease was detected.
According to doctors, cystosarcosis is mainly spread through uncleanliness, consumption of contaminated food and undercooked meat. In this, the eggs of worms present in the stomach reach the brain through the bloodstream and form a cyst there. These tumors start growing in the brain, causing serious problems like frequent seizures, paralysis, severe headache, reduced eyesight and unconsciousness.
Children and youth are falling prey to this disease. There are many patients who were having repeated epileptic seizures, but the disease could not be detected during initial investigation. Later, during CT scan and MRI examination, lumps made of worms were confirmed in the brain. In some cases, the vision of patients has also been affected due to pressure on the nerves of the eyes.
Cystocercosis is a completely preventable disease, provided people take care in cleanliness and eating habits. It is important to avoid openly sold foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables and undercooked meat. Along with this, it is very important to wash hands after defecation and before eating. - Dr. Anindya Gupta, Neuro Surgeon BRD Medical College
Many patients came whose eyesight was continuously decreasing, even though they did not have any specific disease. During enquiry, when cystosercosis was suspected, he was advised to consult a neurosurgeon. The disease was confirmed in the investigation, he is relieved with the medicine. He is also undergoing treatment for poor vision.- Dr. Rajat Kumar, Ophthalmologist