Lowri Denman's vacation to India in 2007 was meant to be a memorable journey, but it resulted in a life-threatening parasitic infection that would take years to diagnose and treat. Four years after her return, she discovered she had contracted a metre-long tapeworm, the larval stage of which had spread to her brain, causing neurocysticercosis.
A Hidden Infection
Denman, now 42, initially believed she had avoided common travel ailments like "Delhi belly." However, she remained unaware of the more serious souvenir she had acquired. The first sign of trouble emerged years later when she began experiencing severe headaches. In 2011, she suffered a grand mal seizure, a type of seizure characterized by loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.
A subsequent brain scan revealed the presence of 38 tapeworm larvae in her brain. This condition, neurocysticercosis, is caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm (Taenia Solium) infecting the central nervous system. It is the most severe form of tapeworm infection and a common cause of seizures. The infection typically occurs when humans ingest tapeworm eggs, often through contaminated food or water, or poor hygiene practices, even if they adhere to a vegetarian diet. The larvae can migrate from the intestines and form cysts in various parts of the body, including the brain.
Years of Struggle and Treatment
The diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging period for Denman. She was treated for epilepsy, while medical professionals consulted global experts on tropical diseases to devise a treatment plan. The infection significantly impacted her daily life; she lost her driving license due to seizure risks and was advised against activities like bathing alone. The constant worry and the impact of her condition led to anxiety and psychosis.
Her treatment involved a combination of medications, including steroids and albendazole. While these initially helped reduce inflammation and kill parasites, the symptoms would return when she weaned off the medication. In 2015, a significant flare-up prompted doctors to introduce praziquantel. Despite these efforts, the swelling in her brain would recur in different areas, prolonging her illness and increasing her anxiety.
Mental Health and Recovery
The prolonged illness and the side effects of medication, such as facial swelling from steroids and fatigue from methotrexate, took a toll on Denman's mental health. In September 2016, she was admitted to a neuropsychiatric ward for three months, where she received treatment for psychosis, including mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. She experienced intense paranoia and panic attacks, struggling to discern whether her symptoms were directly caused by the parasites or the immense stress of her condition and treatment.
By January 2017, Denman was well enough to leave the hospital and move back in with her father. After a decade spent battling illness, anxiety, and worry, she is now healthy. Her seizures are managed by medication, and she has not had one in ten years.
Sharing Her Story
During her recovery, Denman found a lack of accessible information about her condition. Determined to help others and to make sense of her experience, she is launching a 12-part podcast called "38 Parasites." The podcast will detail her personal journey, feature interviews with tropical disease experts and neurologists, and provide insights into her illness. She and her friend, producer Nicola Brown, are raising £25,000 through Crowdfunder to support the project, which has been shortlisted for a podcast award.