Symptoms

Many people with intestinal tapeworm infection don't have symptoms. If you do have problems from the infection, your symptoms will depend on the type of tapeworm you have and its location. Invasive tapeworm infection symptoms vary depending on where the larvae have migrated.

Intestinal infection

Signs and symptoms of intestinal infection include:

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Salt craving
• Weight loss and inadequate absorption of nutrients from food

Invasive infection

If tapeworm larvae have migrated out of your intestines and formed cysts in other tissues, they can eventually cause organ and tissue damage, resulting in:

• Headaches
• Cystic masses or lumps
• Allergic reactions to the larvae
• Neurological signs and symptoms, including seizures

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of tapeworm infection, seek medical attention.