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Suggest The Type Of Specialist To Consult For Parasitic Infection In Brain
Question: I think I have a parasitic worm in my brain, and I'm trouble finding a doctor that can validate this. Will an MRI
confirm my suspicions. What kind of Dr. can help me with my problem.
confirm my suspicions. What kind of Dr. can help me with my problem.
Brief Answer:
MRI would confirm, a doctor specialized in Neurology.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for coming to HealthCareMagic for your health concerns.
I read your query and being a medical doctor specialized in Neurology I would be the right kind of specialist for the diagnosis of any brain involvement including parasitic infection.
A MRI with contrast administration would certainly confirm or exclude your suspicion.
If you would like to say something more related to your symptoms and why do you believe they are related to a parasitic brain infection, how do you suppose that you have contracted it and what tests have you already done, other medical conditions and medications, perhaps I could say more in order to reinforce your doubts or maybe on the contrary ease your worry.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
MRI would confirm, a doctor specialized in Neurology.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for coming to HealthCareMagic for your health concerns.
I read your query and being a medical doctor specialized in Neurology I would be the right kind of specialist for the diagnosis of any brain involvement including parasitic infection.
A MRI with contrast administration would certainly confirm or exclude your suspicion.
If you would like to say something more related to your symptoms and why do you believe they are related to a parasitic brain infection, how do you suppose that you have contracted it and what tests have you already done, other medical conditions and medications, perhaps I could say more in order to reinforce your doubts or maybe on the contrary ease your worry.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I just got home from the hospital, because my foot and arm went numb. I had an MRI without contrast (will that show just as much with contrast?) They said that it was clean. Nothing on my brain. They also checked my heart and arteries all was good there. They couldn't find anything. I'm going to see an EMT next, so he can scope my throat. I don't hold out much hope for the results. I'm really getting to the end of my rope with the medical industry. Would an infectious disease specialist be a better choice? How would you approach my dilemma?
Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes without contrast is enough.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry that you are feeling so frustrated.
If normal, non-contrast MRI is enough. If there was some finding then contrast would have been important to differentiate between different causes.
If this arm and foot numbness was abrupt then the probable diagnosis to be thought would have been stroke (which is excluded by MRI fortunately). If the numbness resolved quickly it could still be a transient ischemic attack, for which attention to vascular risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, obesity is necessary. Also a partial seizure is another possibility but I don't think it very likely.
I am still not clear why do you think of an infection. Are you having any fever or been in contact with someone with an infective disease, consumed meat of a dubious origin or been in contact with animals which could carry parasitic infections?
If there is only the episode of arm and foot numbness I don't see any reason to see neither an infectious disease specialist nor an ENT specialist. If possible please provide some more info on this episode of numbness as well as other symptoms and medical history.
Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Yes without contrast is enough.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry that you are feeling so frustrated.
If normal, non-contrast MRI is enough. If there was some finding then contrast would have been important to differentiate between different causes.
If this arm and foot numbness was abrupt then the probable diagnosis to be thought would have been stroke (which is excluded by MRI fortunately). If the numbness resolved quickly it could still be a transient ischemic attack, for which attention to vascular risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, obesity is necessary. Also a partial seizure is another possibility but I don't think it very likely.
I am still not clear why do you think of an infection. Are you having any fever or been in contact with someone with an infective disease, consumed meat of a dubious origin or been in contact with animals which could carry parasitic infections?
If there is only the episode of arm and foot numbness I don't see any reason to see neither an infectious disease specialist nor an ENT specialist. If possible please provide some more info on this episode of numbness as well as other symptoms and medical history.
Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
The Drs. also did a chest x-ray, and a heart echocardiogram. They also did an ultrasound on my carotid arteries. They said everything was very clean, and open with plenty of blood pumping through them. My throat is very sore with bumps on the back of it, and I also feel a movement in the back of my throat which makes me feel like I want to vomit. I think I contracted this in Mexico. I need to find a Dr. that will prescribe albendazole. I know that this is a harsh drug, but I am willing to take it to be rid of these parasites!
Brief Answer:
Still no reason to think parasite.
Detailed Answer:
The ENT consult does make more sense now considering your symptom in order to evaluate your throat symptoms.
I still do not understand why do you think you have parasites, the sore throat is not a manifestation of parasite. From some research the only parasite which involves the nasal cavity as a primary manifestation is Rhinosporidiosis which you could have taken only in XXXXXXX and Srilanka bathing in common ponds and is not treated with Albendazole anyway. I really do not see anything in your symptoms to make me think of parasitic infection so please don't rush into taking drugs which as you seem to be aware can have serious side effects.
It's a good thing that your cardiovascular tests have come back negative. Perhaps anxiety is a factor in the numbness you mentioned. I wish you had provided some more info on the episode itself, like the limbs involved, duration etc. However normal MRI and tests have excluded serious causes.
I hope to have been of help.
Still no reason to think parasite.
Detailed Answer:
The ENT consult does make more sense now considering your symptom in order to evaluate your throat symptoms.
I still do not understand why do you think you have parasites, the sore throat is not a manifestation of parasite. From some research the only parasite which involves the nasal cavity as a primary manifestation is Rhinosporidiosis which you could have taken only in XXXXXXX and Srilanka bathing in common ponds and is not treated with Albendazole anyway. I really do not see anything in your symptoms to make me think of parasitic infection so please don't rush into taking drugs which as you seem to be aware can have serious side effects.
It's a good thing that your cardiovascular tests have come back negative. Perhaps anxiety is a factor in the numbness you mentioned. I wish you had provided some more info on the episode itself, like the limbs involved, duration etc. However normal MRI and tests have excluded serious causes.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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