Cerebral Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening infective disorder caused due to parasites, which are transmitted through the bite ofinfected Anopheles mosquitoes. In 2020, more than 200 million patients were diagnosed with malaria worldwide.
Pediatriccerebral malaria has been found to carry a high risk of mortality in sub-SaharanAfrica. Being aware of the precautionary measures can play a key role in protecting yourself against this condition.
What is cerebral malaria?
Malariais an infective condition caused due to a parasite that spreads to humans throughthe bites of infected mosquitoes. Patients who have malaria typically feel sick with a high fever and chills.
Cerebralmalaria occurs when the parasite-filled blood cells block the bloodvessels in the brain causing swelling inthe organ. Cerebral malaria can cause life-threatening complications including seizures and coma.
What are the symptomsof cerebral malaria?
The common symptoms of cerebral malaria include:
Diagnosis of hypertension
- Severe headaches
- Fever usually with chills
- General feeling of uneasiness or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the muscles or joints
- Abdominalpain
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Rapid heart rate
- Lossof consciousness
- Seizures
What are the risk factors for cerebralmalaria?
The most common risk factor for malariais living in or visiting areas where this disease is prevalent. These includethe tropical and subtropical parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Pacific Islands, southand Southeast Asia, and northern South America. People who are at an increased risk of cerebral malaria include:
- Pregnantwomen
- Infantsand young children
- Older adults
- Travelers from areas with no malaria
Diagnosis of cerebral malaria
The diagnosis of cerebral malaria isoften based on the typicalsymptoms,including headaches and fever, history of recent travel, physical examination, and blood tests. The blood tests can help to reveal thepresence of malarial parasites in the blood.
A CT scan or MRI of the brain may be needed in somecases to assess the extent of damage or swelling in the brain.
Treatment of cerebral malaria
The treatment of cerebral malariaincludes medicationslike chloroquine phosphatethat kill the parasites.Medications to relieve the symptoms like fever mayalso be prescribed. Prompt medical intervention is essential for preventing further damage to the brain and avoiding serious complications likeseizures and coma.
We have a team of skilled medical professionalswho have expertise in the management of cerebral malaria. You can visit ourcenter or contact us to learn more about the various methods for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
