Infection of humans by larvae of the nematode Angiostrongylus can cause an eosinophilic meningitis, characterized by headache and paresthesias. Seizures can occur as an epiphenomenon of the meningitis.

The principal hosts are rats; mollusks are the intermediate hosts, and humans can become accidental hosts if they eat infected mollusks.

There is no established antiparasitic treatment. Comorbid seizures are managed routinely.162

Adapted from: Goldstein MA and Harden CL. Infectious states. In: Ettinger AB and Devinsky O, eds. Managing epilepsy and co-existing disorders. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2002;83-133.
With permission from Elsevier (www.elsevier.com).
Reviewed and revised March 2004 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.