In fact, it was rat lungworm, which is a rare cause of meningitis and can be carried by rodents, snails and slugs. Most people who are infected rarely experience symptoms but in rare cases, a worm can cause an infection of the brain called “eosinophilic meningo-encephalitis.” And that’s what happened to Ballard. He fell into a coma for more than 420 days and became paralyzed.
He fell into a coma for more than 420 days and became paralyzed.