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