It is caused by larval tapeworms in the brain. This particular tapeworm was Taenia solium, which is a parasite that is present in pigs. It can spread to humans through contaminated food and water.

Pork can carry taenia solium larvae, a parasitic tapeworm. After eating infected pork, the larvae get into body tissues where they form cysts—a condition called cysticercosis. The larvae can ...