Cerebral Malaria

Cerebral malaria is a severe form of malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It infiltrates human red blood cells, causing them to stick to the walls of the small blood vessels in the brain. This results in a decrease in the oxygen supply to the brain, leading to coma, seizures, and death if left untreated. Cerebral malaria is a life-threatening condition, particularly in young children and pregnant women, and is a major public health concern in many low-income countries with malaria risk. Treatment requires prompt and effective antimalarial therapy, including artemisinin-based combination therapies. Prevention of cerebral malaria is also possible through the use of insecticide-treated bednets and prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases.