Live worm found in woman's brain in world-first discovery

A woman who was experiencing forgetfulness and depression has had an 8cm-long parasitic roundworm removed from her brain.

The 64-year-old English woman, who was living in New South Wales, Australia, was admitted to hospital in January 2021 after three weeks of abdominal pain and diarrheic, followed by a dry cough and night sweats.

By 2022, her symptoms had evolved to include forgetfulness and depression, prompting medical professionals to refer her to Canberra hospital.