Brain worms like the one RFK Jr. had are real and more common than you might think, doctor explains

Rewritten by Allison Elyse Gualtieri in informal language: Hey y'all, Allison here! I've gone ahead and made some changes to this blog section - hope you like it!

On the ninth of May in the year 2024, at 11:51 in the morning Eastern Daylight Time, CBS News released a blog post.

RFK Jr. was afflicted with a parasitic worm that infected his brain.

There are actual brain worms that exist, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign claimed he caught one more than ten years ago. These infections are prevalent in some regions of the world, which may come as a surprise to some.

During Thursday's episode of "CBS Mornings," Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert who contributes to CBS News, verified that there are parasitic infections that can affect the brain. Neurocysticercosis, which is an infection caused by tapeworms in the brain, can be acquired by consuming pork that is infected and inadequately cooked, or by ingesting water that is contaminated.

She stated that this typically occurs in nations with inadequate hygiene and polluted water. This is frequently the culprit behind seizures in areas with unsatisfactory sanitation standards. It's a global issue that can be prevented if access to clean water and proper sanitation is established.

According to a statement made to CBS News by Kennedy's campaign representative Stefanie Spear, the independent presidential candidate acquired the parasite due to his extensive travels across continents like Africa, South America, and Asia. This was during his time spent working tirelessly as an environmental activist.

What Causes Brain Worms?

Once tiny tapeworm eggs are consumed by humans, they will hatch and transform into larvae that can invade different parts of the body like the muscles, liver, brain, and other tissues.

According to Gounder, the common method for contracting the parasite involves swallowing its eggs through contaminated food or water. The eggs are often present in feces, which can get transferred to the hands during bathroom use and then spread to food or drink during ingestion.

According to a report from The New York Times, back in 2012, Kennedy stated in a deposition that a parasitic worm had consumed a part of his brain and might have caused him some cognitive problems. However, Gounder contradicts this statement and declares that parasites do not devour the brain.

She mentioned that the most probable cyst he could have is linked to pork tapeworm and it usually remains stationary. It could expand, result in inflammation or swelling, which produces symptoms. However, it is not causing harm to the brain.

According to Gounder, signs of the infection may comprise vomiting, nausea, seizures, and headaches. However, numerous folks struggling with this sort of ailment might not notice any symptoms.

Treating tapeworm infection usually involves medicines like anti-parasitic drugs to eliminate the worms. If the worm dies, the immune system can get rid of the dead worm from the brain tissue without surgery, unless complications occur. Kennedy stated to the Times that his parasitic condition required no treatment.

According to Gounder, typically these parasites are "enclosed by your immune system and they become calcified."

According to her, many individuals may not be aware of having this situation. Its presence is usually detected when its symptoms such as headaches or seizures occur. Alternatively, it may be detected during a routine medical check-up or examination for a different medical issue.

"Reporting was generously provided by Allison Novelo."

Sara Moniuszko works for CBSNews.com as a reporter focused on health and lifestyle topics. Before that, she contributed to the USA Today newspaper by helping to establish their wellness segment. Currently, she is responsible for coverage of the latest and most popular HealthWatch news stories for CBS News.