Ep 11. My Son is Losing His Mind

My Son is Losing His Mind is the eleventh episode from the first season of Monsters Inside Me: Brain Invaders. In this episode, we follow the journey of a young boy named Jake who starts displaying strange behavior including severe headaches, mood swings and seizures. His parents, Brian and Lisa, are devastated by his sudden deterioration and take him to see a neurologist. The neurologist initially believes that Jake has epilepsy but after conducting further tests, he discovers that Jake has a brain parasite known as neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis is caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water. The eggs hatch in the intestines and the larvae can travel through the bloodstream and into the brain, where they can cause seizures, headaches, and other neurological problems. In Jake’s case, the larvae had caused multiple cysts to develop in his brain, which were responsible for his seizures and other symptoms.

Jake’s treatment plan involved a combination of medication and surgery. He was given anti-parasitic drugs to kill the tapeworm larvae and steroid medication to reduce the inflammation caused by the cysts. He also underwent surgery to remove one of the larger cysts that was putting pressure on his brain. The surgery was a success and Jake’s symptoms started to improve almost immediately. His parents were overjoyed to see their son returning to his normal self.

While neurocysticercosis is relatively rare in the United States, it is a common cause of seizures in many developing countries where hygiene and sanitation are poor. The disease can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can be similar to those of other neurological conditions such as epilepsy. The key to successful treatment is early detection and proper diagnosis.

Jake’s story is a reminder of how important it is to pay attention to our bodies and seek medical help if we notice any changes or unusual symptoms. With the right treatment, even a serious condition like neurocysticercosis can be cured. The episode ends with a message from Jake’s parents, urging viewers to take their health seriously and not take any chances when it comes to their wellbeing.

Overall, My Son is Losing His Mind is a compelling and emotional episode that highlights the devastating effects of neurological diseases. Through Jake’s story, viewers are able to gain insight into the complexity of the brain and the challenges of treating conditions like neurocysticercosis. The episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking medical attention when faced with a health crisis.