A woman from Cardiff, Wales, has spoken publicly about her diagnosis of neurocysticercosis after doctors detected 38 parasitic cysts in her brain several years after she traveled to India. Her case has drawn attention to the parasitic disease, which affects the central nervous system and remains a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in many parts of the world.
According to BBC, Lowri Denman, who works in the media industry, traveled across India for three months in 2007. According to her infectious disease specialist, Dr. Brendan Healy, the infection was most likely acquired during that trip.
Although she chose to avoid meat to reduce her risk of foodborne illness, Dr. Healy said she may have accidentally consumed food contaminated with microscopic eggs of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
Three years after her trip, in 2010, Lowri noticed that she had passed a tapeworm while using the restroom at a restaurant.
It looked absolutely disgusting, like Sellotape with like little ridges in it.Lowri Denman
She consulted her general practitioner, who ordered stool tests. The test results did not indicate any abnormalities, and as she had no symptoms at the time, no further treatment was required and she resumed her normal routine.
Within a year, Lowri began experiencing severe headaches. In 2011, she had her first seizure, prompting doctors to admit her to the hospital for further evaluation. Brain imaging, including a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed multiple cystic lesions.
According to BCC, doctors informed Lowri that the scans had identified 38 parasitic cysts in her brain. The initial diagnosis considered toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection commonly associated with exposure to infected cat feces.
The doctor sat me down and said, 'right, okay, we've looked at your scans and we've found 38 parasites on your brain. Me and my mum were just jaws on the floor like, 'what on earth, what is that?Lowri Denman
However, after her mother mentioned the tapeworm she had passed the previous year, clinicians conducted additional investigations. These findings ultimately confirmed a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium.
Denman underwent treatment with antiparasitic medicines to eliminate the larvae, corticosteroids to control inflammation, and anti-seizure medications to manage epilepsy.
Following her initial treatment, Lowri experienced several years without major health problems. During this period, she traveled to New Zealand with her sister, relocated to Bristol, participated in circus training, and completed half marathons.
However, her condition later worsened after she collapsed at work.
According to BBC, follow-up brain scans showed significant inflammation surrounding the parasitic cysts. She subsequently developed confusion, numbness, and tingling sensations.
Doctors treated her with corticosteroids to reduce brain inflammation. During this period, Lowri experienced changes in her physical appearance related to steroid therapy. As her condition progressed, she also developed severe mental health symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and psychosis. She was admitted to a neuropsychiatric hospital, where she remained for six weeks.
Lowri's recovery took several years after she was discharged from the hospital. According to reports, she continued to experience health challenges and moved back in with her father while undergoing rehabilitation.
I didn't feel myself at all, I didn't look myself in the slightest, I didn't want to go out.Lowri Denman
As her condition gradually improved, she enrolled in an art foundation course in Carmarthen. By 2018, she had recovered sufficiently to return to Cardiff, where she pursued a degree in interior design. She later resumed work in 2022.
As reported in BBC, her treating infectious disease specialist, Dr. Brendan Healy, described the case as exceptionally rare.
This is the only case I've seen like this with presentation over many, many years. I wouldn't expect to see another case like this during my career - and there'll be many infectious disease consultants across the country who will never see a case like this, that's how rare it is.Dr Brendan Healy, Consultant, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Doctors reported that the parasitic cysts in Lowri's brain have since calcified, meaning they have hardened after the parasites died. She did not require surgery to remove the cysts. Dr. Healy stated that antiparasitic treatment successfully eliminated the infection and that she has recovered from the active disease.
According to the reports, Lowri has remained seizure-free since 2017. However, she continues to take anti-seizure medication as part of her long-term management.
Now living in Cardiff, Lowri says she hopes her experience will help increase public awareness of neurocysticercosis and encourage greater understanding of the disease. She wants to use her recovery to educate others about the condition and its potential impact.
Reflecting on her journey, she said the experience changed her perspective on life and that she is grateful to have regained her health. Having recovered from the active infection, she continues to focus on moving forward while sharing her story to raise awareness of this rare parasitic disease.
What is neurocysticercosis?
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the brain and central nervous system caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It develops when a person ingests microscopic tapeworm eggs through food, water, or hands contaminated with human feces.
What are the common symptoms of neurocysticercosis?
Symptoms vary depending on the number, size, and location of the cysts in the brain. Common symptoms include:
Seizures
Persistent headaches
Confusion
Balance problems
Vision changes
Nausea or vomiting due to increased pressure inside the skull
Some people may remain symptom-free for years before symptoms develop.
How is neurocysticercosis diagnosed and treated?
Doctors diagnose neurocysticercosis using brain imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI, along with a patient's medical history and, in some cases, blood tests. Treatment may include antiparasitic medications, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, anti-seizure medicines, and surgery in selected cases.
How can neurocysticercosis be prevented?
The risk of neurocysticercosis can be reduced by:
Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
Drinking safe, clean water.
Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene.
Diagnosing and treating people with intestinal tapeworm infections to prevent the spread of Taenia solium eggs.
1. World Health Organization. “Taeniasis/Cysticercosis.” World Health Organization. Last modified January 11, 2022. Accessed July 3, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/taeniasis-cysticercosis.
(Rh/SS/MSM)