Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What symptoms can occur in cerebral malaria?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
malaria
Life cycle of a malaria parasite.
Cerebral malaria is a severe and life-threatening complication primarily associated with infections by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum.1
This condition occurs when red blood cells infected with the parasite adhere to the walls of the brain's capillaries, obstructing blood flow. The clinical manifestations of cerebral malaria include:1
- Confusion1
- Convulsions1
- Coma1
Because this complication can lead rapidly to death, prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival.1