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Hi Doctor, I'm In Need Of Advice. Firstly, This Is
Question: Hi Doctor,
I'm in need of advice. Firstly, this is rather long. A few months ago I traveled to Ecuador and became ill. Upon returning to XXXXXXX my PCP requested blood work and stool samples. This was in hopes of identifying the parasite since my eosinophile levels were high. The stool samples came back negative for parasite but my blood work still showed high eosinophil levels. He treated me with a single strong dose of Ivermectin. Prior to having taken the ivermectin, I had been ill for almost three months because of the length of the trip and the testing taking a long time. After 3 months I took the meds and felt better. However, a month later I began to get really bad headaches and feel like there was pressure in my head. I worked with infectious disease and got a CT scan which all came back negative. I still have a headache and feel like my brain doesn't fit in my skull. I asked my PCP if a spinal tap should be done granted I've been miserable and impaired for months now. I asked him if it was possible that the unknown parasite crossed the blood-brain barrier and he said that would be unlikely. However, the parasite was never identified and I've never had daily headaches as I do now. I was given a migraine medication that does nothing for me. I've been advocating for myself for months yet no one is listening to me.
I'm in need of advice. Firstly, this is rather long. A few months ago I traveled to Ecuador and became ill. Upon returning to XXXXXXX my PCP requested blood work and stool samples. This was in hopes of identifying the parasite since my eosinophile levels were high. The stool samples came back negative for parasite but my blood work still showed high eosinophil levels. He treated me with a single strong dose of Ivermectin. Prior to having taken the ivermectin, I had been ill for almost three months because of the length of the trip and the testing taking a long time. After 3 months I took the meds and felt better. However, a month later I began to get really bad headaches and feel like there was pressure in my head. I worked with infectious disease and got a CT scan which all came back negative. I still have a headache and feel like my brain doesn't fit in my skull. I asked my PCP if a spinal tap should be done granted I've been miserable and impaired for months now. I asked him if it was possible that the unknown parasite crossed the blood-brain barrier and he said that would be unlikely. However, the parasite was never identified and I've never had daily headaches as I do now. I was given a migraine medication that does nothing for me. I've been advocating for myself for months yet no one is listening to me.
Hi Doctor,
I'm in need of advice. Firstly, this is rather long. A few months ago I traveled to Ecuador and became ill. Upon returning to XXXXXXX my PCP requested blood work and stool samples. This was in hopes of identifying the parasite since my eosinophile levels were high. The stool samples came back negative for parasite but my blood work still showed high eosinophil levels. He treated me with a single strong dose of Ivermectin. Prior to having taken the ivermectin, I had been ill for almost three months because of the length of the trip and the testing taking a long time. After 3 months I took the meds and felt better. However, a month later I began to get really bad headaches and feel like there was pressure in my head. I worked with infectious disease and got a CT scan which all came back negative. I still have a headache and feel like my brain doesn't fit in my skull. I asked my PCP if a spinal tap should be done granted I've been miserable and impaired for months now. I asked him if it was possible that the unknown parasite crossed the blood-brain barrier and he said that would be unlikely. However, the parasite was never identified and I've never had daily headaches as I do now. I was given a migraine medication that does nothing for me. I've been advocating for myself for months yet no one is listening to me.
I'm in need of advice. Firstly, this is rather long. A few months ago I traveled to Ecuador and became ill. Upon returning to XXXXXXX my PCP requested blood work and stool samples. This was in hopes of identifying the parasite since my eosinophile levels were high. The stool samples came back negative for parasite but my blood work still showed high eosinophil levels. He treated me with a single strong dose of Ivermectin. Prior to having taken the ivermectin, I had been ill for almost three months because of the length of the trip and the testing taking a long time. After 3 months I took the meds and felt better. However, a month later I began to get really bad headaches and feel like there was pressure in my head. I worked with infectious disease and got a CT scan which all came back negative. I still have a headache and feel like my brain doesn't fit in my skull. I asked my PCP if a spinal tap should be done granted I've been miserable and impaired for months now. I asked him if it was possible that the unknown parasite crossed the blood-brain barrier and he said that would be unlikely. However, the parasite was never identified and I've never had daily headaches as I do now. I was given a migraine medication that does nothing for me. I've been advocating for myself for months yet no one is listening to me.
Brief Answer:
It is possible for a block to have occurred due to an infectious condition
Detailed Answer:
It is possible that you have developed a CSF blockage due to an infectious or parasitic condition and certainly the clinical picture (in my opinion as a neurologist) is consistent with elevated intracranial pressure....UNLESS, there are no other neurological signs such as PAPILLEDEMA (swelling of the optic disks), nausea, vomiting, visual obscurations upon flexion at the hips, variable tinnitus.
CT scan is not nearly as sensitive to detecting posterior fossa pathology as MRI. I'm not sure I understand why an MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement has not been obtained. Certainly, a CSF culture could be obtained in case there was a breach of the CSF space.
Again, a good NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION (and if there were any doubt regarding papilledema I would send you to a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST as well....but a good neurological examination should be performed in your case. Also, taking into consideration any medications you may have been given or are still taking for the supposed "parasitic infection" sometimes severe headaches can be caused by them.
At the very least and based upon your complaints and symptoms I believe an MRI of the brain with contrast is warranted following the neurological examination. If you feel this is not possible to obtain where you are at then, you could potentially present yourself to an ACADEMIC TEACHING HOSPITAL for an assessment and evaluation. Typically, in that environment there is more access to specialized physicians who may be more familiar with this sort of case than the average community based physician. Also, there is usually more on tap in terms of diagnostic studies and available personnel to perform such studies.
You are also welcome to come to the XXXXXXX OHIO part of the world if you would like another evaluation where we can certainly give either good justification NOT to perform a tap and then, attack these headaches or obtain sufficient evidence and rationale to perform the tap which could reveal the basis for the headaches and your failing to have resolved the condition despite interventions which were at best empiric.
If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors by CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 60 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
It is possible for a block to have occurred due to an infectious condition
Detailed Answer:
It is possible that you have developed a CSF blockage due to an infectious or parasitic condition and certainly the clinical picture (in my opinion as a neurologist) is consistent with elevated intracranial pressure....UNLESS, there are no other neurological signs such as PAPILLEDEMA (swelling of the optic disks), nausea, vomiting, visual obscurations upon flexion at the hips, variable tinnitus.
CT scan is not nearly as sensitive to detecting posterior fossa pathology as MRI. I'm not sure I understand why an MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement has not been obtained. Certainly, a CSF culture could be obtained in case there was a breach of the CSF space.
Again, a good NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION (and if there were any doubt regarding papilledema I would send you to a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST as well....but a good neurological examination should be performed in your case. Also, taking into consideration any medications you may have been given or are still taking for the supposed "parasitic infection" sometimes severe headaches can be caused by them.
At the very least and based upon your complaints and symptoms I believe an MRI of the brain with contrast is warranted following the neurological examination. If you feel this is not possible to obtain where you are at then, you could potentially present yourself to an ACADEMIC TEACHING HOSPITAL for an assessment and evaluation. Typically, in that environment there is more access to specialized physicians who may be more familiar with this sort of case than the average community based physician. Also, there is usually more on tap in terms of diagnostic studies and available personnel to perform such studies.
You are also welcome to come to the XXXXXXX OHIO part of the world if you would like another evaluation where we can certainly give either good justification NOT to perform a tap and then, attack these headaches or obtain sufficient evidence and rationale to perform the tap which could reveal the basis for the headaches and your failing to have resolved the condition despite interventions which were at best empiric.
If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors by CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 60 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
It is possible for a block to have occurred due to an infectious condition
Detailed Answer:
It is possible that you have developed a CSF blockage due to an infectious or parasitic condition and certainly the clinical picture (in my opinion as a neurologist) is consistent with elevated intracranial pressure....UNLESS, there are no other neurological signs such as PAPILLEDEMA (swelling of the optic disks), nausea, vomiting, visual obscurations upon flexion at the hips, variable tinnitus.
CT scan is not nearly as sensitive to detecting posterior fossa pathology as MRI. I'm not sure I understand why an MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement has not been obtained. Certainly, a CSF culture could be obtained in case there was a breach of the CSF space.
Again, a good NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION (and if there were any doubt regarding papilledema I would send you to a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST as well....but a good neurological examination should be performed in your case. Also, taking into consideration any medications you may have been given or are still taking for the supposed "parasitic infection" sometimes severe headaches can be caused by them.
At the very least and based upon your complaints and symptoms I believe an MRI of the brain with contrast is warranted following the neurological examination. If you feel this is not possible to obtain where you are at then, you could potentially present yourself to an ACADEMIC TEACHING HOSPITAL for an assessment and evaluation. Typically, in that environment there is more access to specialized physicians who may be more familiar with this sort of case than the average community based physician. Also, there is usually more on tap in terms of diagnostic studies and available personnel to perform such studies.
You are also welcome to come to the XXXXXXX OHIO part of the world if you would like another evaluation where we can certainly give either good justification NOT to perform a tap and then, attack these headaches or obtain sufficient evidence and rationale to perform the tap which could reveal the basis for the headaches and your failing to have resolved the condition despite interventions which were at best empiric.
If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors by CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 60 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
It is possible for a block to have occurred due to an infectious condition
Detailed Answer:
It is possible that you have developed a CSF blockage due to an infectious or parasitic condition and certainly the clinical picture (in my opinion as a neurologist) is consistent with elevated intracranial pressure....UNLESS, there are no other neurological signs such as PAPILLEDEMA (swelling of the optic disks), nausea, vomiting, visual obscurations upon flexion at the hips, variable tinnitus.
CT scan is not nearly as sensitive to detecting posterior fossa pathology as MRI. I'm not sure I understand why an MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement has not been obtained. Certainly, a CSF culture could be obtained in case there was a breach of the CSF space.
Again, a good NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION (and if there were any doubt regarding papilledema I would send you to a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST as well....but a good neurological examination should be performed in your case. Also, taking into consideration any medications you may have been given or are still taking for the supposed "parasitic infection" sometimes severe headaches can be caused by them.
At the very least and based upon your complaints and symptoms I believe an MRI of the brain with contrast is warranted following the neurological examination. If you feel this is not possible to obtain where you are at then, you could potentially present yourself to an ACADEMIC TEACHING HOSPITAL for an assessment and evaluation. Typically, in that environment there is more access to specialized physicians who may be more familiar with this sort of case than the average community based physician. Also, there is usually more on tap in terms of diagnostic studies and available personnel to perform such studies.
You are also welcome to come to the XXXXXXX OHIO part of the world if you would like another evaluation where we can certainly give either good justification NOT to perform a tap and then, attack these headaches or obtain sufficient evidence and rationale to perform the tap which could reveal the basis for the headaches and your failing to have resolved the condition despite interventions which were at best empiric.
If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors by CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 60 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply doctor. Would an MRI with contrast show inflammation of the brain and the potential of an invasive parasite? The parasite I had was never identified. However, I do know many are not seen with the naked eye. That said, would I be treated with ivermectin again if it crossed the BBB?
Thank you for your reply doctor. Would an MRI with contrast show inflammation of the brain and the potential of an invasive parasite? The parasite I had was never identified. However, I do know many are not seen with the naked eye. That said, would I be treated with ivermectin again if it crossed the BBB?
Brief Answer:
Please see below for HOTLINE information that may aid your doctor
Detailed Answer:
An MRI with contrast will definitely show inflammation of the brain and any abscesses or areas suspicious for parasitic infections. However, in your particular case, I'm not entirely convinced that the MRI will show anything dramatic at this point if the only thing you're really complaining of is a HEADACHE. That is not to say that your headache is not significant or even wildly painful. I have no doubt it is terrible and could even be debilitating.
However, any type of brain abscess or any sort of parasitic infection that breaches the blood/brain barrier or gets into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF spaces) will necessarily cause reactions to which the body will react extremely dramatically. For example, if you were to be infected with the one of the most parasites found in Ecuador (ameba) then, you would be suffering from a MENINGOENCEPHALITIS which is an awful invasion of the CSF space in which severe inflammation of both the meninges (meningitis) and the brain (encephalitis) occurs causing high fevers, stupor, obtundation, extreme pain, nausea, vomiting. You would likely be in a hospital intensive care unit if this were what were happening.
The same could be said for any other common or major parasite that would've gotten into the brain space. I understand the parasite was never identified. Do you know for sure the types of tests they ran or what agents they were looking for in your case? For example, the most common parasites in Ecuador would be the AMEBA, GIARDIA LAMBLIA, ROUNDWORMS, and TAPEWORMS. The CDC recommends against a number of things as may know if you followed the Traveler's alerts and recommendations such as TYPHOID, HEPATITIS A and B, YELLOW FEVER, and others.
Ivermectin is a rather potent medication and can treat a number of parasitic infections EXCEPT it doesn't really cover amebiasis, giardiasis, nor some parasites and/or infections such as TYPHOID FEVER that are more commonly encountered in Ecuador according to the CDC as well as other watchdog organizations that update data in different countries to which people may travel. I can't say for certain but again, I have my doubts as to whether Ivermectin should stand ahead of other treatments if one were to simply treat a patient (such as yourself) empirically with a supposed parasitic infection who just traveled to Ecuador. I may have chosen something more on the order of metronidazole if I could only choose one medication to use.
Here is a GREAT LITTLE WEBSITE I found while researching your case called the: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS:
https://www.iamat.org/country/ecuador/travel-health-basics
Of course, the person who would for sure know the answer to whether or not Ivermectin would be used on you in the future would be the infectious disease person. In order to facilitate any other physician's attempts at helping you resolve this issue I am going to provide you with the HOTLINE FOR PARASITIC DISEASE CASES RUN BY THE CDC:
Hotlines for Parasitic Disease Cases (not including Malaria) Hotline:
Phone Number
Parasitic Diseases Hotline (M–F; 8am–4:00pm EST) 404-718-4745
Emergency, after-hours hotline 770-488-7100
Once again, if I've provided useful information to your questions could would do me the favor of CLOSING THE QUERY and add a few positive comments of feedback along with a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 120 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Please see below for HOTLINE information that may aid your doctor
Detailed Answer:
An MRI with contrast will definitely show inflammation of the brain and any abscesses or areas suspicious for parasitic infections. However, in your particular case, I'm not entirely convinced that the MRI will show anything dramatic at this point if the only thing you're really complaining of is a HEADACHE. That is not to say that your headache is not significant or even wildly painful. I have no doubt it is terrible and could even be debilitating.
However, any type of brain abscess or any sort of parasitic infection that breaches the blood/brain barrier or gets into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF spaces) will necessarily cause reactions to which the body will react extremely dramatically. For example, if you were to be infected with the one of the most parasites found in Ecuador (ameba) then, you would be suffering from a MENINGOENCEPHALITIS which is an awful invasion of the CSF space in which severe inflammation of both the meninges (meningitis) and the brain (encephalitis) occurs causing high fevers, stupor, obtundation, extreme pain, nausea, vomiting. You would likely be in a hospital intensive care unit if this were what were happening.
The same could be said for any other common or major parasite that would've gotten into the brain space. I understand the parasite was never identified. Do you know for sure the types of tests they ran or what agents they were looking for in your case? For example, the most common parasites in Ecuador would be the AMEBA, GIARDIA LAMBLIA, ROUNDWORMS, and TAPEWORMS. The CDC recommends against a number of things as may know if you followed the Traveler's alerts and recommendations such as TYPHOID, HEPATITIS A and B, YELLOW FEVER, and others.
Ivermectin is a rather potent medication and can treat a number of parasitic infections EXCEPT it doesn't really cover amebiasis, giardiasis, nor some parasites and/or infections such as TYPHOID FEVER that are more commonly encountered in Ecuador according to the CDC as well as other watchdog organizations that update data in different countries to which people may travel. I can't say for certain but again, I have my doubts as to whether Ivermectin should stand ahead of other treatments if one were to simply treat a patient (such as yourself) empirically with a supposed parasitic infection who just traveled to Ecuador. I may have chosen something more on the order of metronidazole if I could only choose one medication to use.
Here is a GREAT LITTLE WEBSITE I found while researching your case called the: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS:
https://www.iamat.org/country/ecuador/travel-health-basics
Of course, the person who would for sure know the answer to whether or not Ivermectin would be used on you in the future would be the infectious disease person. In order to facilitate any other physician's attempts at helping you resolve this issue I am going to provide you with the HOTLINE FOR PARASITIC DISEASE CASES RUN BY THE CDC:
Hotlines for Parasitic Disease Cases (not including Malaria) Hotline:
Phone Number
Parasitic Diseases Hotline (M–F; 8am–4:00pm EST) 404-718-4745
Emergency, after-hours hotline 770-488-7100
Once again, if I've provided useful information to your questions could would do me the favor of CLOSING THE QUERY and add a few positive comments of feedback along with a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 120 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Please see below for HOTLINE information that may aid your doctor
Detailed Answer:
An MRI with contrast will definitely show inflammation of the brain and any abscesses or areas suspicious for parasitic infections. However, in your particular case, I'm not entirely convinced that the MRI will show anything dramatic at this point if the only thing you're really complaining of is a HEADACHE. That is not to say that your headache is not significant or even wildly painful. I have no doubt it is terrible and could even be debilitating.
However, any type of brain abscess or any sort of parasitic infection that breaches the blood/brain barrier or gets into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF spaces) will necessarily cause reactions to which the body will react extremely dramatically. For example, if you were to be infected with the one of the most parasites found in Ecuador (ameba) then, you would be suffering from a MENINGOENCEPHALITIS which is an awful invasion of the CSF space in which severe inflammation of both the meninges (meningitis) and the brain (encephalitis) occurs causing high fevers, stupor, obtundation, extreme pain, nausea, vomiting. You would likely be in a hospital intensive care unit if this were what were happening.
The same could be said for any other common or major parasite that would've gotten into the brain space. I understand the parasite was never identified. Do you know for sure the types of tests they ran or what agents they were looking for in your case? For example, the most common parasites in Ecuador would be the AMEBA, GIARDIA LAMBLIA, ROUNDWORMS, and TAPEWORMS. The CDC recommends against a number of things as may know if you followed the Traveler's alerts and recommendations such as TYPHOID, HEPATITIS A and B, YELLOW FEVER, and others.
Ivermectin is a rather potent medication and can treat a number of parasitic infections EXCEPT it doesn't really cover amebiasis, giardiasis, nor some parasites and/or infections such as TYPHOID FEVER that are more commonly encountered in Ecuador according to the CDC as well as other watchdog organizations that update data in different countries to which people may travel. I can't say for certain but again, I have my doubts as to whether Ivermectin should stand ahead of other treatments if one were to simply treat a patient (such as yourself) empirically with a supposed parasitic infection who just traveled to Ecuador. I may have chosen something more on the order of metronidazole if I could only choose one medication to use.
Here is a GREAT LITTLE WEBSITE I found while researching your case called the: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS:
https://www.iamat.org/country/ecuador/travel-health-basics
Of course, the person who would for sure know the answer to whether or not Ivermectin would be used on you in the future would be the infectious disease person. In order to facilitate any other physician's attempts at helping you resolve this issue I am going to provide you with the HOTLINE FOR PARASITIC DISEASE CASES RUN BY THE CDC:
Hotlines for Parasitic Disease Cases (not including Malaria) Hotline:
Phone Number
Parasitic Diseases Hotline (M–F; 8am–4:00pm EST) 404-718-4745
Emergency, after-hours hotline 770-488-7100
Once again, if I've provided useful information to your questions could would do me the favor of CLOSING THE QUERY and add a few positive comments of feedback along with a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 120 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Please see below for HOTLINE information that may aid your doctor
Detailed Answer:
An MRI with contrast will definitely show inflammation of the brain and any abscesses or areas suspicious for parasitic infections. However, in your particular case, I'm not entirely convinced that the MRI will show anything dramatic at this point if the only thing you're really complaining of is a HEADACHE. That is not to say that your headache is not significant or even wildly painful. I have no doubt it is terrible and could even be debilitating.
However, any type of brain abscess or any sort of parasitic infection that breaches the blood/brain barrier or gets into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF spaces) will necessarily cause reactions to which the body will react extremely dramatically. For example, if you were to be infected with the one of the most parasites found in Ecuador (ameba) then, you would be suffering from a MENINGOENCEPHALITIS which is an awful invasion of the CSF space in which severe inflammation of both the meninges (meningitis) and the brain (encephalitis) occurs causing high fevers, stupor, obtundation, extreme pain, nausea, vomiting. You would likely be in a hospital intensive care unit if this were what were happening.
The same could be said for any other common or major parasite that would've gotten into the brain space. I understand the parasite was never identified. Do you know for sure the types of tests they ran or what agents they were looking for in your case? For example, the most common parasites in Ecuador would be the AMEBA, GIARDIA LAMBLIA, ROUNDWORMS, and TAPEWORMS. The CDC recommends against a number of things as may know if you followed the Traveler's alerts and recommendations such as TYPHOID, HEPATITIS A and B, YELLOW FEVER, and others.
Ivermectin is a rather potent medication and can treat a number of parasitic infections EXCEPT it doesn't really cover amebiasis, giardiasis, nor some parasites and/or infections such as TYPHOID FEVER that are more commonly encountered in Ecuador according to the CDC as well as other watchdog organizations that update data in different countries to which people may travel. I can't say for certain but again, I have my doubts as to whether Ivermectin should stand ahead of other treatments if one were to simply treat a patient (such as yourself) empirically with a supposed parasitic infection who just traveled to Ecuador. I may have chosen something more on the order of metronidazole if I could only choose one medication to use.
Here is a GREAT LITTLE WEBSITE I found while researching your case called the: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS:
https://www.iamat.org/country/ecuador/travel-health-basics
Of course, the person who would for sure know the answer to whether or not Ivermectin would be used on you in the future would be the infectious disease person. In order to facilitate any other physician's attempts at helping you resolve this issue I am going to provide you with the HOTLINE FOR PARASITIC DISEASE CASES RUN BY THE CDC:
Hotlines for Parasitic Disease Cases (not including Malaria) Hotline:
Phone Number
Parasitic Diseases Hotline (M–F; 8am–4:00pm EST) 404-718-4745
Emergency, after-hours hotline 770-488-7100
Once again, if I've provided useful information to your questions could would do me the favor of CLOSING THE QUERY and add a few positive comments of feedback along with a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information on your condition if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and let me know how things turned out.
You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns.
CHEERS!
This query required 120 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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