Ep 2. My Brain Is Under Attack

In the second episode of season 8 of Monsters Inside Me, titled "My Brain Is Under Attack," viewers are taken on a terrifying journey exploring how parasites can invade the human body and attack the brain.

The episode kicks off with the story of a 10-year-old girl named Amy who exhibits strange symptoms including headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Her mother takes her to the doctor, but none of the initial tests reveal anything out of the ordinary. As her condition worsens, doctors eventually discover a cyst in her brain which they believe to be a brain tumour. However, upon further investigation, they discover that the cyst is in fact caused by a tapeworm that has invaded Amy's brain.

The episode then jumps to the story of a 35-year-old woman named Gina who experienced a similar invasion. Initially, she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but as her symptoms continued to worsen, she was eventually diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs. The tapeworms had infected Gina's brain and were causing severe seizures and neurological symptoms.

Next, viewers are introduced to the story of a 31-year-old man named John who started exhibiting strange behavioural changes, including aggression and paranoia. After being brought to the hospital, doctors discovered that he had been infected with a rare parasite called Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This parasite is commonly found in snails and can infect humans when they accidentally ingest contaminated raw vegetables. The parasite had invaded John's brain, causing a rare condition known as eosinophilic meningitis.

The episode also features the story of a young woman named Crystal who was bitten by a mosquito while travelling in Brazil. After returning home to the United States, she started experiencing strange symptoms including headaches, fever, and muscle weakness. Doctors eventually diagnosed her with cerebral malaria, a severe form of malaria that invades the brain. The episode highlights the devastating effects of this parasitic infection and the challenges faced by doctors attempting to treat it.

Throughout the episode, viewers are confronted with the terrifying reality of parasites invading the human brain. Each story highlights the ways in which these infections can wreak havoc on the body, causing everything from headaches and fatigue to seizures and behavioural changes. The stories also highlight the challenges doctors face in diagnosing these infections, as many of the symptoms are common to a variety of other conditions.

Overall, "My Brain Is Under Attack" is a chilling and eye-opening episode that serves as a reminder of the dangers of parasitic infections and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The episode is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch these individuals fight to reclaim their health and their lives from some of the most terrifying parasites on the planet.