Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Malaria

Cerebral malaria is caused by plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan parasite. Plasmodium is transmitted to human via infected mosquito bites.  Cerebral malaria is the most dangerous and life-threatening form of malaria that effects brain and cause mutation in mental status. According to the World Health Organization, every year cerebral malaria affects about 300-500 million people.

Symptoms of Cerebral Malaria

Initially, only few symptoms of cerebral malaria are evident in both children and adults. They are non-specific fever, impaired consciousness, convulsion and neurological abnormalities and coma that can last for three days at a stretch.

The main symptoms of cerebral malaria include persistent orthostatic hypotension chills, headache, muscle pain, lower blood pressure and altered state of consciousness.

In cerebral malaria, attacks can occur every second day that may last for 6-10 hours. The symptoms here usually occur in three stages:

• Cold Stage: sensations of cold and extreme shivering. This can last for 1-2 hours.
• Hot Stage: It is characterized by headaches, vomiting, seizures in young children and high fever up to 107°F. This can be for 3-4 hours.
• Sweating Stage: It is characterized by profuse sweating and tiredness. This stage last in 2-4 hours.

Common signs of cerebral malaria include:

• Mild Jaundice
• Anemia
• Enlargement of liver and spleen
• Kidney failure
• Blood in urine
• Rise in intracranial pressure
• Delirium and seizures
• One-sided paralysis that can result in coma
• Increased respiratory rate

The signs of cerebral malaria can become fatal within few days. Since the natural resistance of immune system is not helpful one must immediately go for artificial treatments.