Cerebral Malaria: Case Report

Abstract

Cerebral malaria is a rare complication caused by Plasmodium infection. Capillary blockage caused by infected erythrocytes, microglia activation and apoptosis of astrocytes as a result of cytokine leakage to the parenchyma are cited in the pathogenesis. Recently, a concept has evolved that metabolic changes in the brain in malaria infection may also be responsible for the epilepsy and encephalopathy pathogenesis. A 25-year-old male was admitted to our clinic for seizures and encephalopathy. The patient, diagnosed with cerebral malaria, recovered with antiedema, antiepileptic and antimalarial therapy. The pathophysiology and clinical and laboratory findings are discussed in light of the literature.