title: Ascariasis-associated worm encephalopathy in a young child.
abstract: Infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides in children has a varied manifestation, but encephalopathy is a very rare presentation. This report describes a case of ascariasis-associated encephalopathy in a child. An 18-month-old boy was admitted with altered sensorium. He had a history of vomiting and was passing Ascaris worms in the vomitus. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal any abnormality. The patient was treated with an antihelminthic drug and he recovered completely. Worm encephalopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis for unexplained encephalopathy in tropical areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India. drkanaram@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kana Ram
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Jat
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Marwaha
authors.forename: Inusha
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Panigrahi
authors.forename: Kunal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides; D020809:Central Nervous System Helminthiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011716:Pyrantel Pamoate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D011716:Pyrantel Pamoate