Symptoms:

Most often, the worms stay in muscles and do not cause symptoms.

Symptoms that do occur depend on where the infection is found:

• Brain lesions can result in seizures or symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor.
• Eye lesions can cause decreased vision or blindness.
• Heart lesions can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure (rare).
• Spine lesions can lead to weakness or changes in walking.

Signs and tests:

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasite
• Biopsy of the affected area
• CT scan, MRI scan, or x-rays to detect the lesion