Plasmodium falciparum malaria with cerebral complications

**Definition:** A disease of the cerebrum, caused by an infection with the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This disease commonly presents with retinal whitening, splenomegaly, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycaemia, pulmonary dysfunction, renal dysfunction, or neurologic changes. This disease may also present with fever, chills, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, weakness, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Transmission is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Confirmation is by identification of Plasmodium falciparum in a blood sample.

**Long definition:** Severe malaria may be characterized by acute encephalopaty (cerebral malaria).It is the most frequent complication of falciparum malaria. The patients exhibits neurological signs and symptoms that are compatible with an acute diffuse meningitis or with an encephalitic process. Often fatal.